Cibrarjp  oftrhe  t:heolo0(cal  ^eminarjp 

PRINCETON  . NEW  JERSEY 

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PRESENTED  BY 

Presbyterian  Church-  in  the  U.3.A. 
Department  of  History 


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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016 


https://archive.org/details/setmaturkishgirlOObart 


9 


SETMA>:’'9s 


THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 


TRANSLATED  FROM  THE  GERMAN 
OP 

DR. ‘'BARTH. 


PHILADELPHIA : 

PRESBYTERIAN  BOARD  OF  PUBLICATION, 
ISW  Chestnut  Street 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congrese,  in  the  year  1869,  by 


THE  TRUSTEES  OF  THE 

PRESBYTERIAN  BOARD  OF  PUBLICATION, 

In  tlie  Clerk’s  Office  of  the  District  Court  tor  the  Eastern  District 
of  Pennsylvania. 


Westcott  & Thomson, 
gtereotypers,  Philada. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  I. 

PAGE 

Setma  and  Guly  in  Belgrade 7 


CHAPTER  II. 

The  Visit  in  Vienna 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  Bailiff  in  Liebenzell 


39 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  Escape  from  Tyranny 


57 


CHAPTER  V. 


The  Hotel  Baren  in  Stuttgart 


3 


4 


CO^’TENTS. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

PAGK 

Instruction  and  Baptism 80 

CHAPTER  VII. 

.\n  Early  Friend  Restored 97 


HAFIS  AXD  HIS  BIBLE 114 


PREFACE. 


Dear  Children  : I am  told  that  you  desire  an- 
other of  my  stories,  and  want  one  suited  to  little 
girls  as  well  as  to  boys.  I am  glad,  therefore,  to  be 
able  to  tell  you  a beautiful  story,  which  is  also  true, 
about  a Turkish  maiden.  Perhaps  you  have  heard 
of  the  Turks  as  a fierce  and  cruel  people,  but  the 
little  girl  of  whom  I am  about  to  tell  you  was  gen- 
tle and  good,  and  had  far  more  fear  of  Christians 
than  you  can  have  of  the  Turks.  However,  you 
shall  read  the  story,  and  if  it  does  not  please  you,  I 
shall  be  disappointed,  and  will  try  and  do  better  an- 
other time,  for  my  great  desire  is  to  please  you  and 
do  you  good.  Nor  will  I be  satisfied  if  you  are  only 

entertained.  I hope  you  will  follow  Setma’s  exam- 
1 » 5 


C) 


FEEFACE. 


pie,  and  seek  the  Saviour  earlj%  for  such  children  he 
is  ready  to  bless.  IIow  happy  should  I be  if  my 
little  book  were  blessed  to  jmur  conversion!  With 
the  earnest  prayer  that  you  may  be  led  by  it  to  love 
the  children’s  best  Friend,  I remain,  with  a loving 
greeting. 

Ever  yours,  sincerely. 

The  Author. 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 


CHAPTER  I. 

SETilA  AND  GULY  IN  BELGRADE, 

N the  borders  of  the  Turkish  Em- 


pire, near  Austria,  where  the  river 
Save  flows  into  the  Danube,  lies  the 
great  commercial  town  and  fortress 
Belgrade,  also  called  Grecian  Weis- 
senburg.  There  are  thirty  thousand 
inhabitants,  and  one  hundred  Turkish 
mosques  or  houses  for  worship  within 
its  walls.  The  inhabitants  are  for  the 
most  part  Servians,  but  there  are  also 
many  Turks,  as  it  is  under  Turkish 


7 


8 SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 


rule,  although  it  has  licen  several  times 
conquered  by  the  Christians. 

In  this  city,  in  the  year  1671,  was 
born  the  little  girl  whose  story  you 
are  about  to  read  iu  this  book.  Her 
]>areids,  who  were  IMohaininedans, 
gave  her  the  name  of  Setma. 

Her  father  was  a merchant  named 
Osmann,  who  possessed  considerable 
property  and  was  engaged  in  shipping 
interests  on  the  Danube.  He  had  the 
position  of  a bashi,  or  upper  commis- 
sary, and  was  held  in  great  esteem, 
liecause  he  had  made  a pilgrimage  to 
Jerusalem,  as  well  as  to  Mecca,  the 
birth-place  of  Mohammed.  He  was 
on  that  account  called  Hadji  Osmann. 

How  Setma  shall  speak  for  herself: 


^ly  childhood  was  passed  in  strict 


SETMA,  THE  TUKKISH  GIRL.  9 


seclusion,  and  I saw  very  little  society, 
for  my  father  was  a stern  and  serious 
man,  and  my  mother  died  before  I 
was  three  years  old.  I was  committed 
to  a trustworthy  slave,  somewhat 
advanced  in  years,  who  also  took 
charge  of  the  house. 

I was  not  taught  to  read  or  to  write, 
and  was  only  instructed  in  some 
prayers  and  phrases  familiar  to  Mo- 
hammedans, while  I was  also  taught 
some  womanly  work. 

My  father  had  a slave  from  Bohe- 
mia, from  whom,  as  a pastime,  I 
learned  German.  Ah,  who  would 
then  have  thought  that  I should  find 
it  so  useful?  But  God’s  ways  with 
the  children  of  men  are  mysterious, 
and  he  often  prepares  them  before- 
hand for  a future  which  they  little 


10  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 


anticipate.  Before  tlie  weaver  begins 
bis  Avork,  the  many-coloured  threads 
are  prepared  Avith  Avhich  it  is  to  be 
interwoven,  but  he  only  knoAvs  before- 
hand Avhere  they  are  to  be  placed,  and 
Avhat  the  pattern  Avill  be. 

I had  a playmate  of  my  OAvn  age, 
named  Guly,  Avhom  I saAv  daily,  and 
for  Avhom  I had  a most  tender  affec- 
tion. We  spent  our  time  together  in 
childish  sports,  for  we  AA^ere  not  able 
to  read  about  God  or  holy  things,  even 
could  AA"e  haAm  understood  them.  Oh 
hoAV  happy  are  Christian  children,  Avho 
in  their  earliest  years  are  taught  about 
the  Saviour,  and  knoAV  also  many 
beautiful  stories  of  Avhich  the  Bible  is 
full ! They  can  spend  their  time  far 
more  profitably,  if  they  would  only 
do  so. 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL.  11 

How  pleasant  it  would  have  been 
for  us  to  hear  stories  about  Joseph, 
Moses,  Samuel,  David,  the  Saviour  him- 
self and  his  apostles.  Then  time  would 
never  have  seemed  long  to  us.  We 
were  happiest  when  my  father,  having 
left  home  on  business,  committed  me 
to  the  care  of  the  trusty  slave  before 
mentioned,  who  delighted  us  with 
many  tales  and  fables.  They  were 
not  pious  stories,  but  there  was  always 
a moral  attached  to  them.  I remember 
one  to  which  we  always  eagerly 
listened : it  was 

THE  FABLE  OP  THE  FROG  AND  THE 
DORMOUSE. 

For  many  years,  a little  dormouse, 
with  Avhite  feet  and  bright  eyes,  lived 
in  a tiny  hole  at  the  foot  of  a rock. 


12  SETMA,  THE  TUKKISH  GIEL. 

The  little  cliildren  who  came  from 
the  neighbouring  huts  to  play  on  the 
soft  moss  under  the  rocks  could  no^ 
see  the  hole,  for  a branch  of  ivy  hung 
over  it,  and  as  the  ivy  remained  green 
throughout  the  year,  the  dormouse 
had  a quiet  and  safe  shelter. 

Not  far  from  the  dormouse,  in  a 
marshy  place  under  the  rock,  lived  a 
family  of  frogs,  by  Avhose  croaking 
through  all  the  dark  hours  of  the 
night  their  abode  might  easily  be  dis- 
covered, had  any  one  been  disposed  to 
take  the  trouble  to  find  them. 

Now  it  happened  once  in  a bright 
moonlight  night  that  a company  of 
rough  boys,  returning  to  their  homes 
from  the  fields,  heard  by  chance  the 
croaking  of  the  frogs,  and  with  noisy 
shouts  commenced  to  throw  stones 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIRL.  13 

among  them.  This  so  stirred  the 
little  community  that  they  fled  away 
as  fast  as  they  could,  and  one  of  them 
took  flight  to  the  dwelling  of  the  dor- 
mouse, where  she  sat  behind  the  green 
ivy,  and  begged  for  a shelter  till  the 
danger  should  be  past. 

The  dormouse,  as  soon  as  she  had 
heard  the  story,  bade  the  frog  wel- 
come, and  said  that  though  her  house 
was  small,  the  half  of  it  was  at  his 
service. 

The  frog  was  very  thankful  for  this 
kind  offer,  and  crouched  down  in  a 
corner,  waiting  quietly  till  the  alarm 
should  be  past.  By  and  by  nothing 
was  heard  in  the  woods  but  the  chirp- 
ing of  a cricket  which  lived  near  by, 
and  the  plashing  of  the  water  from 

the  rock  above. 

2 


14  SETMA,  THE  TEEKISH  GIRL. 


As  liis  fear  siil3sided,  the  frog,  ac- 
cording to  custom,  began  to  expand 
and  give  himself  his  full  dimensions. 

“ In  truth,  Xeighbour  Dormouse,” 
said  he,  “ you  have  a very  cosy  dwelh 
ing-place,  although  it  is  not  large 
enough  for  us  two,  otherwise  I would 
not  mind  spending  the  rest  of  my 
days  here.” 

“Yes,”  said  the  dormouse,  “the 
place  is  very  good,  and  has  long  been 
in  possession  of  our  family.” 

“ Really,”  continued  the  frog,  “ I 
wish  it  were  a little  larger,  for  I am 
afraid  that  you’ve  already  scarcely 
room  in  your  corner.” 

Thereupon  he  began  to  swell  out 
the  folds  of  his  skin  to  such  an  extent 
that  the  dormouse  was  pushed  to  the 
wall ; and  seeing  that  it  would  be  in 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIRL.  15 

vain  to  enter  into  a contest  with  so 
hateful  a reptile,  she  left  her  hole, 
travelled  the  greater  part  of  the  night, 
and  by  morning  reached  the  dwelling 
of  her  brother,  who  lived  at  the  other 
end  of  the  forest. 

jMeanwhile,  the  frog  took  up  his 
abode  in  her  deserted  home,  in  a cor- 
ner of  which  he  found  her  store  of 
provisions  laid  up  for  winter  use. 
Upon  these  he  feasted  until  he  became 
so  large  that  he  could  no  longer  make 
his  Avay  through  the  opening  of  the 
hole.  By  and  by  it  Avas  filled  up  Avitli 
broken  pieces  of  stone  and  earth  fall- 
ing from  the  rock  above ; and  as  the 
trickling  Avater  had  properties  Avhich 
made  it  as  hard  as  iron,  the  frog  re- 
mained buried  as  in  a grave,  Avithout 
any  air,  for  thirty  years. 


16  SETMA  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL. 


At  that  time  his  tomb  was  opened 
by  a man  who  was  breaking  the  rocks 
for  limestone,  when,  on  being  restored 
to  the  light,  he  breathed  for  a few 
moments  and  then  died. 

I did  not  at  this  time  understand 
the  story,  and  was  only  amused,  with- 
out thinking  of  the  moral;  but  I have 
often  since  thought  of  it,  when  consid- 
ering the  injustice  of  men  toward  each 
other ; and  have  noted  too  the  pun- 
ishment of  the  ungrateful  who  wrest 
away  the  rights  of  their  benefactors 
to  their  own  temporary  advantage. 

In  such  a case,  I have  said  to  my- 
self, “ Ah,  you  poor  ignorant  and  mis- 
guided man,  }'ou  have  never  heard  of 
the  unfortunate  frog !” 

Thus  I lived  in  happy  childhood 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISII  GIRL.  17 

until  my  eleventh  year,  when  I ex- 
perienced my  first  great  sorrow.  ]\ly 
father  became  very  sick,  and  I was 
told  that  his  recovery  was  impossible. 
I was  inconsolable,  for,  although  he 
was  a stern  man,  I was  fondly  attached 
to  him,  and  could  not  bear  the  idea  of 
losing  him.  I often  kneeled  by  his 
bedside  and  wept  and  prayed.  He 
was  submissive  and  resigned  to  his 
fate. 

“Every  man,”  said  he,  “has  his 
appointed  hour,  and  cannot  escape  it. 
IMine  has  come,  and  I do  not  fear  it. 
Allah  Akbar!”  that  is,  God  is  great. 

My  father  comforted  himself  with 
the  idea  that,  having  made  a pilgrim- 
age to  Mecca,  he  could  not  fail  of 
everlasting  happiness.  As  I became 

better  acquainted  with  the  true  re- 
2 » 


18  SETMA,  THE  TEEKISH  GIEL. 


ligion,  I was  very  unhappy  about  his 
eternal  condition,  but  I found  com- 
fort at  last  in  submission  to  God’s 
will.  Seven  days  after  the  commence- 
ment of  my  father’s  illness  he  died. 
After  his  burial,  my  brother  took 
charge  of  his  business  and  the  house- 
hold affairs. 

Things  went  on  in  the  old  way. 
Guly  came  to  see  me  daily,  and  we 
passed  most  of  our  time  together. 

Scarcely  a year,  however,  elapsed 
before  a terrible  war  commenced.  A 
Turkish  army  advanced  against  Vi- 
enna and  besieged  the  city  for  nine 
weeks;  they  were  at  last  repulsed,  and 
driven  back  in  rapid  marches  to  Bel- 
grade. They  brought  with  them  many 
Christian  prisoners,  at  sight  of  whose 
sad  faces  even  Turkish  hearts  were 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL,  19 

moved  to  pity.  But  all  this  was  more 
of  an  entertaining  spectacle  to  me 
than  an  object  of  serious  considera- 
tion. One  day  followed  another  with- 
out variety  in  our  little  circle ; I had 
few  troubles,  and  the  only  idea  that 
disturbed  my  mind  was  the  fear  of 
separation  from  my  beloved  Griily, 
whom  I loved  as  a sister. 

This  is  all  that  I can  remember  of 
my  childhood  till  I had  attained  my 
seventeenth  year.  At  that  time  I was 
betrothed  by  my  brother,  whom  I 
obeyed  implicitly,  to  a friend  of  his, 
an  officer  of  the  Janissaries,  whose 
high  position  in  the  army  and  state 
made  the  match  desirable.  I did  not 
know  him,  and  even  had  I been  un- 
willing, resistance  was  out  of  the 
question ; thus  I was  forced  to  sub- 


20  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 


niit.  ]\Iy  greatest  trial  in  connection 
■with  this  change  Avas  the  conA-iction 
that  the  intercourse  betAA^een  my  cher- 
ished Guly  and  myself  must  cease 
for  cA'er.  But  how  different  AA'as  the 
case ! 

]*tly  brother  had  resohmd  that  the 
Avedding  should  be  postponed  till  after 
his  return  from  a business  excursion 
to  Tiflis  and  Ispahan,  upon  AA’hich  he 
started  in  the  month  of  June,  1688. 
I took  leaAm  of  him,  little  thinking  I 
should  never  see  him  again. 

Belgrade  Avas  soon  besieged,  and 
the  Germans  Avere  already  advancing 
under  their  daring  leader,  Maximilian 
Emanuel.  At  first,  the  Turks  felt  no 
apprehension,  and  thought  it  impossi- 
ble that  the  city  should  be  taken,  so 
that  no  one  felt  it  necessary  to  leave. 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  21 

But  on  tlie  tenth  of  August  it  became 
evident  that  the  Grermans  were  in 
earnest  in  their  intentions  of  conquest, 
and  permission  was  generally  granted 
to  seek  safety  by  flight.  Many  car- 
ried their  possessions  to  the  ships  and 
sailed  with  them  across  the  Danube. 
The  streets  were  filled  with  fugitives 
flying  from  the  revengeful  sword  of 
the  Christians. 

But  the  half  had  not  escaped  before 
a terrible  and  sudden  storm  drove  the 
ships  back  to  the  harbour,  where  they 
must  tarry  until  it  should  be  possible 
to  load  them  and  re-embark. 

I was  among  the  fugitives  who  were 
obliged  to  return  to  the  city  ; with 
two  slaves  and  an  attendant  I had 
left  my  home,  carrying  nothing  with 
me  but  a box  of  gold  coins  and  a casket 


22  SETMA,  THE  TUllKISH  GIEL. 

of  jewels.  I arrived  at  tlie  harbour 
too  late  to  embark,  and  when  I had 
completed  arrangements  with  the  cap- 
tain of  another  ship,  the  storm  rose 
and  drove  me  back  to  the  city.  It 
was  a night  of  anguish,  and  sleep  fled 
from  my  eyes.  The  storm  raged  with 
increasing  violence,  and  had  it  not 
ceased  before  morning,  there  would 
have  been  reason  to  fear  that  the  only 
way  of  escape  hitherto  open  would  be 
entirely  closed. 

However,  toward  midnight  there 
was  a calm,  and  my  hopes  and  cour- 
age rose:  minutes  seemed  hours  till 
day  should  dawn,  when  I was  to  leave 
the  house  and  hasten  to  the  harbour. 

iSIeanwhile,  I made  my  way  to  the 
house  of  my  friend  Gruly,  whose  family 
had  at  last  determined  to  take  flight. 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  23 

But,  alas  ! news  had  arrived  which 
filled  the  hearts  of  the  fugitives  with 
dread.  The  Germans  had  already 
surrounded  and  invested  the  city  ; no 
further  way  of  escape  presented  itself, 
and  each  one  must  await  his  fate  from 
the  conquerors. 

Thus  we  remained,  deprived  of  all 
hope,  and  about  to  fall  into  the  hands 
of  the  Christians,  whose  revenge  the 
Turks  might  justly  fear  in  view  of 
their  cruelty  to  them. 

Ah  poor,  short-sighted  men,  who 
are  so  often  overburdened  with  vain 
anxieties ! How  desolate  they  who, 
without  a knowledge  of  the  true  God, 
are  overwhelmed  with  darkness  and 
every  trouble  ! Such  was  my  condi- 
tion at  that  time.  God,  who  in  great 
mercy  designed  better  things  for  me, 


24  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL. 

made  escape  impossible,  while  I was 
distressed  and  unhappy  in  view  of  my 
situation.  He  meant  to  provide  for 
me  a great  deliverance  in  rescuing  me 
from  the  fetters  and  chains  of  dark- 
ness, binding  me  fast  only  in  the 
cords  of  love.  Blessed  be  his  name 
for  ever ! 


CHAPTER  I_. 


THE  VISIT  IN  VIENNA. 

N the  eleventh  of  August  the  siege 


of  the  city  began,  and  as  I was  at 
that  time  living  in  the  suburbs,  I was 
obliged  to  change  my  quarters,  seek- 
ing refuge  on  the  other  side  of  the 
water,  in  the  house  of  my  friend  Guly. 
That  was  a time  of  great  fear  and  an- 
guish, when  terrible  tidings  came  in 
from  all  quarters,  and  days  without 
rest  and  nights  without  sleep  followed 
each  other  in  quick  succession — when 
every  one  was  daily  expecting  instant 
death.  Oh  could  I then  have  prayed, 
how  differently  I might  have  felt! 

3 25 


26  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL, 


After  the  first  day  of  the  siege  the 
anguish  and  distress  increased  dciily. 
All  accounts  from  the  approaching 
enemy  convinced  us  that  the  city 
would  shortly  be  taken.  Finally,  on 
the  sixth  of  September,  notwithstand- 
ing the  despairing  resistance  of  the 
Turks,  the  city  and  fortress  were 
stormed,  and  all  that  came  first  in  the 
way  of  the  conquerors  was  destroyed. 

As  the  portion  of  the  city  where  we 
lived  was  farthest  from  the  attack,  we 
were  kept  longer  in  dread.  Ever 
nearer  came  the  cry  of  the  conquerors 
and  the  wail  of  the  prisoners  and  dy- 
ing. I had  no  expectation  that  my 
life  would  be  spared,  and  my  only  de- 
sire was  not  to  fall  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy  as  a slave. 

But  what  I most  dreaded  came  to 


SETIIA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  27 

pass.  An  officer  of  rank  having  found 
me,  seized  me  by  the  hand  and  drew 
me  away  with  him  in  great  haste.  I 
passed  through  crowds  of  men  and 
horses,  over  the  wounded  and  dead, 
through  pools  of  blood,  into  the 
slavery  I dreaded  a thousand-fold 
more  than  death. 

You  can  easily  conceive  my  conster- 
nation and  terror.  Several  times  I 
endeavoured  to  escape  through  the 
crowd,  and  would  far  rather  have  been 
trodden  under  foot  by  the  horses  than 
become  the  slave  of  a Christian. 

But,  unwilling  as  I was,  I was  ob- 
liged to  follow,  and  at  last,  covered 
with  the  blood  of  strangers  and  held 
fast  by  my  captor,  I was  brougnt  to 
his  temporary  abode. 

Thus  I was  a slave  among  a people 


28  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIRL. 

whom  I abhorred,  not  only  because  a 
hatred  of  their  religion  was  implanted 
in  childhood,  but  because  I saw  and 
heard  enough  daily  to  convince  me 
that,  although  they  boasted  of  their 
Christianity,  they  were  scarcely  better 
than  Turks,  while  many  gave  them- 
selves up  to  the  worst  crimes. 

This  fact  naturally  impressed  me, 
as  well  as  many  others  of  our  nation, 
with  the  conviction  that  their  religion 
Avas  false,  and  that  they  Avere  indeed 
far  from  the  fear  of  the  true  God. 

Aftenvard  I became  acquainted  Avith 
others  Avho  Avere  Avorthy  of  the  name 
of  Christians,  and  by  Avhose  example 
I Avas  led  to  take  different  vieAvs  of 
the  true  religion. 

In  the  mean  Avhile  I had  no  choice, 
and  Avas  obliged  to  accompany  him 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISII  GIRL.  29 


whom  Grod  had  appointed  as  my  mas- 
ter wherever  he  went. 

As  the  prince  of  Bavaria,  after  the 
conquest  of  Belgrade,  returned  to  his 
residence  at  Munich,  I was  forced  to 
follow  the  rapid  marches  of  the  troops, 
and  this  same  fall  was  conducted  by 
my  master,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Bur- 
get,  through  Austria  to  the  city  of 
Landshut. 

On  the  way,  he  paid  a short  visit  to 
his  brother,  who  lived  in  Vienna,  the 
capital  of  Austria,  which  is  called 
Beks  by  the  Turks. 

His  brother  was  an  imperial  coun- 
sellor, and  lived  in  a street  not  far 
from  the  Corinthian  gate.  Here  I 
first  became  acquainted  with  a Chris- 
tian worthy  of  the  name.  He  was  an 
old  man,  a secretary  of  the  legation, 


30  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 

who  lived  in  the  house  of  the  counsel- 
lor, and  had  been  in  his  service  many 
years. 

lie  was  daily  at  the  table,  and  I 
understood  enough  German  to  know 
tliat  he  was  a man  of  noble  principles, 
who  had  seen  the  hand  of  God  in  all 
his  experience  of  life,  and  gave  him 
the  glory  for  all  his  deliverances. 
This  was  something  new  and  strange 
to  me,  and  I was  careful  not  to  lose  a 
word  that  was  spoken  by  the  good  old 
man. 

Once,  when  it  was  remarked  that  the 
plague  had  appeared  in  many  parts  of 
the  Turkish  dominions,  he  narrated 
some  of  his  own  experiences,  which 
made  on  our  minds  a grave  impres- 
sion of  the  horrors  of  this  visitation. 

“ For  twenty  years,”  said  he,  “ I 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL.  31 


was  secretary  of  legation  in  London, 
and  while  there  the  terrible  plague 
appeared  which  cost  so  many  their 
lives.  This  malady  made  no  discrimi- 
nation, and  in  a short  time  raged 
among  the  hitherto  strongest  men. 
Sometimes  both  men  and  women  fell 
dead  in  the  market-place,  for  many 
who  were  attacked  by  the  plague  did 
not  know  it  till  the  breath  was  leav- 
ing the  body.  People  fell  down  sud- 
denly on  the  streets  and  roads  with- 
out any  premonition,  and  died  upon 
the  spot.  Others  had  time  only  to 
seek  the  shelter  of  a porch  or  shed, 
before  they  lay  down  to  die.  These 
occurrences  were  so  frequent  that  but 
few  were  seen  walking,  while  here 
and  there  dead  bodies  lay  on  tlie 
ground.  At  first,  passers-by  stood 


32  SETMA,  THE  rUEiaSII  GIRL. 

still  at  sight  of  a corpse  and  sum- 
moned the  neigdibours  to  the  spot. 
Afterward,  the  fear  of  each  one  about 
his  own  safety  was  so  great  that  no 
furtlier  notice  was  taken  of  one. 
Should  any  one  encounter  a corpse,  he 
crossed  the  street  to  avoid  it,  and  if 
the  street  was  too  narrow  to  admit  of 
it,  ho  turned  aside  into  another.  There 
the  corpses  remained  till  the  police 
were  notified  to  remove  them,  or  until 
they  were  taken  up  by  the  carts  that 
by  night  went  the  rounds  of  the  city. 

“ In  my  walks  I encountered  many 
horrible  scenes;  the  bodies  of  the  dead 
lying  on  all  sides,  while  the  cry  of 
mortal  anguish  rose  from  many  open 
windows. 

“ One  day,  as  I passed  through  To- 
kenhouse  yard,  a Aviudow^-shutter  was 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  33 


violently  pushed  aside,  while  a woman 
standing  behind  cried,  ‘ Ah  ! Death  ! 
Death ! Death !’  in  heart-piercing 
tones  that  made  me  shudder.  Ao  one 
on  the  same  street  opened  a window, 
for  all  curiosity  was  at  an  end. 

“I  knew  a family  of  ten  persons  at 
Whitechapel ; they  were  to  all  ap- 
pearance well  on  Monday,  and  by 
Saturday  all  were  dead  and  the  house 
deserted.  I met  with  a strange  ex- 
perience one  evening  as  I was  passing 
over  City  Road.  It  was  already  twi- 
light, and  a heavy  mist  prevented  my 
seeing  ten  steps  ahead.  I was  belated 
and  hurried  on,  that  I might  reach 
my  dwelling-place  before  daylight 
should  have  entirely  disappeared. 
Suddenly,  I saw  in  advance  of  me  a 
form  which  appeared  to  move  and  then 


34  SETMA,  THE  TL  CKISII  GIEL. 


remained  standing.  On  near  approach 
I found  it  was  a man  endeavouring  to 
raise  from  the  ground  the  body  of 
another,  wlio  was  to  all  appearance 
dead.  I called  out  to  him,  ‘Friend, 
do  you  know  what  you  are  doing?  If 
you  touch  the  body  of  any  one  Avho 
has  died  of  the  plague,  it  will  cost  you 
your  life.’  The  man  drew  himself  up 
and  answered  me  in  a hollow  voice, 
‘ Comrade,  do  not  concern  yourself  on 
my  account ; I have  once  already  died 
of  the  plague,  and  it  can  do  me  no 
more  harm,  but  this  poor  man  has 
been  sharply  attacked.’ 

“The  voice  sounded  so  deep,  its  tone 
was  so  strange,  the  place  so  still  and 
the  surroundings  so  singular,  while 
prominent  in  the  midst  the  figure 
stood  alone,  that  it  seemed  to  me  a 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  35 


question  whether  I was  not  conversing 
witli  a being  from  the  other  world. 
While  I was  considerino;  the  circum- 
stances,  the  tall,  spectral-looking  body- 
fell  to  the  earth  with  a great  cry,  and 
Avas  also  dead.  Aftenvard,  I Avas  told 
that  he  Avas  a poor  crazed  being,  aa'Iio, 
having  eluded  his  Avatchers,  sought  an 
opportunity  to  escape  to  the  streets. 
There  he  Avas  afterward  found  by  his 
keepers,  another  victim  to  the  plague. 

“ Lord  Craven  lived  at  this  time  in 
London  ; his  house  Avas  in  that  portion 
of  the  city  since  knoAvn  as  Craven 
Buildings.  As  the  plague  Avas  uni- 
versal, he  resohmd  to  leave  the  city 
and  retire  to  his  country-seat,  in  order 
to  avoid  the  danger. 

“ He  passed  through  his  house,  his 
hat  on  his  head,  and  draAving  on  his 


36  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL. 


gloves,  was  about  to  enter  his  coach, 
vlien  lie  overheard  his  coachman,  Avho 
Avas  a negro,  say  to  another  folloAver  : 
‘ I think  my  lord  is  leaAung  London 
to  escape  the  plague,  because  his  God 
lives  in  the  country,  and  not  in  the 
toAvn.’  The  poor  black  said  this  in 
the  simplicity  of  his  heart,  really 
thinking  that  there  Avere  different 
deities  for  different  places, 

“ This  remark  made  such  an  impres- 
sion on  Lord  Craven  that  he  remained 
in  London,  AAdiere  he  Avas  both  useful 
and  active  in  this  hour  of  distress, 
God  having  in  great  mercy  preserved 
him  in  life  and  health.” 

Thus  spoke  the  secretary,  adding, 
“ Let  us  pray  God  that  he  preseinm  us 
from  this  dreadful  pestilence,  Avhich 
our  sins  might  justly  bring  upon  us.” 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIRL.  37 


How  gladly  would  I have  opened 
my  heart  to  this  good  man  had  cir- 
cumstances permitted  and  our  stay  in 
Liehenzell  been  longer ! But  after 
three  days  I was  obliged  to  leave  this 
resting-place  and  resume  my  sad 
journey.  Oh  how  trying  it  was  to  be 
carried  still  farther  away  from  my 
native  land,  Avith  no  hope  of  return  or 
of  meeting  with  those  dear  to  me  ! I 
was  to  dwell  also  among  a people  for 
Avhom  I had  the  greatest  aversion,  and 
from  Avhom  I could  expect  nothing  but 
contempt  and  ill-treatment. 

As  we  left  Venice,  the  streets  Avere 
resounding  Avith  popular  songs  about 
the  conquest,  Avhich  Avounded  me 
sorely,  and  Avhich  my  stay  in  Lands- 
hut  Avas  not  calculated  to  make  me 
forget. 


4 


38  SETMA,  THE  TUKKISH  GIEL. 


My  master  was  a well-meaning  and 
upright  man,  but  his  wife,  born  in 
13avaria,  led  a dissipated  life,  indulged 
in  wine,  and  maltreated  me  beyond 
measure.  How  often  I sighed  for 
deliverance,  and  it  seemed  as  if  no  ear 
was  open  to  my  cry ! 

I found  nowhere  a friend  or  confi- 
dant to  whom  I could  open  my  heart, 
and  Gruly — ah  ! I had  almost  for- 
gotten to  speak  of  her  fate. 

We  had  clasped  each  other  in 
close  embrace,  resolved  to  die  to- 
gether, when  Lieutenant-Colonel  Bur- 
get  rushed  in  and  seized  me.  At  the 
same  time  another  officer  took  posses- 
sion of  Guly,  and,  despite  her  cries 
and  tears,  dragged  her  away  from  me. 
I did  not  see  her  afterw'ard,  and  this 
pierced  me  to  the  heart. 


CHAPTER  III. 

THE  BAILIFF  IN  LIEBENZELL. 

IT  was  during  that  same  winter  that 
war  broke  out  in  the  district  of  the 
Upper  Rhine,  and  the  prince  of 
Bavaria  was  the  first  who  took  the 
field  against  the  French,  I was 
obliged  to  accompany  my  master  and 
his  wife,  in  whose  service  I remained, 
to  Swabia,  where,  in  the  duchy  of 
Wiirtemberg,  we  took  our  station  in 
the  year  1689.  I saw  then  for  the 
first  time  the  place  where  so  many 
blessings  awaited  me.  Our  course  lay 
through  Wurzburg  and  Heilbronn, 


39 


40  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 

to  Pforzheim,  and  from  thence  to  Lie- 
benzell,  a little  town  in  Wiirtemberg. 
There  I was  to  remain  during  the 
absence  of  my  master,  who  would  not 
be  able  to  return  while  the  conflict 
lasted,  and  in  the  mean  while  I was 
placed  in  the  family  of  the  bailiff, 
or  justice,  of  the  place,  named 
Frisch. 

Xow  I was  for  a time  released  from 
my  captivity,  and  could  breathe  freely. 
The  town  lay  in  a deep,  narrow  valley 
of  the  Black  Forest,  beside  a small 
stream,  and  was  built  on  the  sides  of  a 
hill,  crowned  with  the  picturesque 
ruins  of  an  old  castle. 

Here,  during  the  whole  year,  it  is 
quiet  and  peaceful.  The  princijial 
road,  which  passes  through  the  valley 
from  Calw  and  Hirschau,  is  not  very 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIRL.  41 

lively.  On  all  sides  steep  mountains 
rise,  crowned  with  white  pine  and  oak, 
lifting  their  tops  heavenward,  and  the 
town  is  only  frequented  in  summer, 
on  account  of  the  baths  which  are 
found  there. 

But  my  greatest  interest  was  from 
my  first  experience  in  a really  Chris- 
tian family.  In  Vienna  I had  but  a 
passing  acquaintance  with  one  ; here 
I had  opportunity  to  observe  on  all 
sides  the  beautiful  picture  of  a Chris- 
tian family  circle.  From  this  time 
dated  my  first  favourable  impressions 
of  the  religion  of  Christ. 

The  preaching  which  I heard  from 
pastor  Mack  and  his  assistant  Mose- 
der,  as  well  as  the  affection  I enter- 
tained for  the  family  of  the  good  bai- 
litf,  for  the  first  time  impressed  me 


42 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL. 


■\vitli  tlie  idea  that  a Christian  Avas 
better  than  a Tnrk,  and  kindled  in  my 
mind  a desire  to  become  one. 

AboAX  all  things,  I longed  to  knoAV 
God’s  Avord,  for  I had  heard  this  pas- 
sage read  in  the  church  : “ If  ye  con- 
tinue in  my  AVord,  then  are  ye  my 
disciples  indeed,  and  the  truth  shall 
make  you  free.”  This  saying  gave  me 
great  joy,  for  AAdiat  is  more  joyful  to  a 
prisoner  than  the  promise  of  liberty  ? 
But  of  the  freedom  of  Avhich  Christ 
speaks  I then  kncAV  nothing.  I had 
therefore  the  greatest  curiosity  to  read 
the  XeAv  Testament  through. 

True,  I heard  many  portions  of  it  in 
the  church,  and  it  Avas  a family  custom 
to  read  a chapter  every  day,  but  this 
did  not  satisfy  me — I must  drink  at 
the  fountain. 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  43 

Alas,  however,  there  was  one  great 
difficulty ! I could  not  read,  but  I 
was  not  ashamed  to  learn,  and  begged 
the  daughter  of  the  bailiff  to  teach  me. 
I took  it  up  Avitli  such  zeal  and  ear- 
nestness that  in  a few  weeks  I could 
begin  to  satisfy  my  desire. 

Oh  how  indescribably  glad  was  I to 
find  opening  up  before  me  riches 
hitherto  concealed  ! 

There  was,  indeed,  much  that  I could 
not  understand,  but  I found  some  one 
to  whom  to  apply  for  instruction ; this 
was  the  sister  of  the  bailiff,  the  wife 
of  Doctor  Sommerell  of  Stuttgart. 

During  the  summer  months  she 
made  use  of  the  baths  in  Liebenzell, 
and  stayed  with  us.  She  was  like  a 
mother  to  me,  and  won  through  her 
affection  my  entire  confidence ; so  that 


44  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL. 


I could  ask  her  all  that  I could  not 
understand  without  hesitation,  which 
was  of  untold  advantage  to  me. 

I was  also  very  much  interested  in 
the  lovely  children  of  the  bailiff,  who 
were  exceedingly  intelligent  and  origi- 
nal. We  were  often  amused  at  their 
childish  speeches,  many  of  which  I 
still  remember. 

Theodore,  who  was  but  five  years 
old,  awaked  one  morning  unusually 
early,  when  his  father  was  about 
to  set  out  for  Wildbad.  It  was 
a lovely  day  in  April ; the  sun  had 
already  risen,  and  was  shining  brightly 
in  the  heavens. 

“ AVhy  has  the  sun  waked  up  so 
early,  papa?”  said  Theodore;  “did  he 
rise  on  purpose  to  light  you  to  AATld- 
bad  ?” 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  45 

At  another  time,  while  walking  in 
the  evening,  as  the  moon  was  hidden 
behind  a cloud,  the  star  Jupiter  being 
near  it,  Theodore  said,  “ See,  papa, 
the  moon  is  going  to  catch  that  star.” 

Once,  when  his  grandmother  was 
suffering,  he  asked,  “ Why  are  you 
sick  ?”  She  replied  : 

“The  good  Grod  alone  knows 
why.” 

“Can  we  not  ask  him?”  he  con- 
tinued. 

“Ao,”  answered  his  grandmother; 
“ we  must  always  be  satisfied  with 
what  Grod  does,  without  reasons.” 

“ But,”  added  the  little  boy,  “ wdll 
not  the  good  Grod  tell  us  when  we  get 
to  heaven  why  he  made  us  sick 
here?” 

“ Oh,”  was  the  reply,  “ we  shall  be 


46  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL. 


SO  liappy  with  God  in  heaven  that  ve 
will  not  care  to  know.” 

Little  Lina,  an  intelligent  but  some- 
what wilful  child,  asked  her  mother : 
“ ^Vh^"  do  you  reprove  me  so  much, 
when  vi.sitors  only  praise  me  ?” 

At  one  time,  when  she  saw  the 
nurse  shaking  her  apron  into  the  fire, 
she  said  to  her, 

“ Regina,  do  you  not  know  that  the 
good  God  takes  care  of  sparrows,  and 
will  he  not  be  displeased  when  you 
waste  so  many  crumbs  of  bread  that 
miglit  give  them  a breakfast?” 

She  said  to  her  grandfather,  who 
had  difficulty  in  hearing:  “Grand- 
father, is  it  not  because  you  are  so  old 
that  you  cannot  hear  well  ? Yet  you 
are  not  older  than  the  great  God,  and 
he  hears  everything !” 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  47 

Thus  I was  daily  entertained  by 
them,  and  my  happiest  hours  were 
when  taking  charge  of  them. 

The  bailiff  also  had  two  boys — one 
of  whom  was  nine  and  the  other 
eleven  years  old.  Their  merriment 
was  almost  always  good-natured,  and 
when  their  spirits  carried  them  to  ex- 
cess, one  word  of  parental  counsel  en- 
sured obedience. 

One  beautiful  afternoon  in  May  we 
took  a walk  of  perhaps  a mile  to  bid 
farewell  to  a good  old  man  who  seemed 
near  his  end. 

We  were  all  on  our  return,  sobered 
by  the  impression  made  upon  our 
minds  at  the  deathbed  of  a faithful 
servant  of  Christ. 

As  the  rays  of  the  setting  sun  lin- 
gered on  the  landscape,  our  hearts 


48  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL. 


rose  in  gratitude  for  the  manifestation 
of  a greater  light  which  tilled  the 
heart  of  the  dying  man  whom  we  had 
hut  just  left. 

Occupied  with  serious  thoughts,  we 
walked  quietly  through  the  deep  val- 
ley, along  the  stream,  when  we  en- 
countered two  noisy  hoys,  making 
merry  at  the  expense  of  a poor  old 
man,  whose  faded  hrown  coat  was 
patched  in  many  places  with  white 
linen. 

The  two  hoys  were  about  to  laugh, 
Avhcu  a sharp  look  from  their  father 
arrested  them.  After  a few  moments 
he  said,  “ Children,  why  is  it  wrong  to 
laugh  at  a poor  old  man  ?” 

“ We  did  not  laugh  at  the  man,  hut 
at  his  coat,”  answered  Ernst. 

“How  so ?”  continued  the  father; 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  49 

“if  the  coat  is  ridiculous,  so  must  the 
man  be  who  wears  it.” 

“But,”  said  Gottfried,  “the  man 
cannot  find  another  perhaps,  and  had 
no  cloth  with  which  to  mend  it.” 

“ Therefore,”  replied  the  bailitf, 
“ neither  the  man  nor  his  coat  should 
be  derided.  The  poor  man  cannot 
do  other  than  patch  his  coat,  which, 
without  it,  would  be  useless.  Tell  me, 
what  would  be  the  better  feeling.” 

The  boys  were  much  ashamed,  and 
answered  together:  “We  should 

pity  the  poor  man,  and  try  to  help 
him.” 

“ And  now  tell  me,”  said  their 
father,  “ whether  there  is  not  a story 
in  the  Bible  to  remind  us  of  this  cir- 
cumstance?” 

Gottfried  said,  “ Oh,  you  are  think- 

5 


00  SETMA,  THE  TrEKISII  GIEL. 

in<^’  of  the  wicked  hoys  of  Bethel  who 
laughed  at  the  prophet.” 

“ You  are  right,  and  when  we  return 

1 will  read  it  to  you.” 

Ernst  said,  “ And  show  us  the  pic- 
tures? Very  good.” 

When  we  reached  home,  the  hook 
was  brought  and  the  story  read,  which 
is  found  in  the  second  hook  of  Kings, 
and  with  which  I hope  my  young 
readers  are  familiar. 

Sometimes  the  hailitf  made  a visit 
to  his  friend,  pastor  Roth,  in  Mdtt- 
lingen,  a little  village  eastward  from 
Tjiehenzell.  He  had  then  heen  pastor 
of  the  village  for  nineteen  years,  and 
remained  for  twenty-nine  years  after. 
It  was  the  bailiff’s  custom  to  take  all 
his  family  with  him  upon  these  occa- 
sions, and,  as  I was  considered  one  of 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIEL.  51 

them,  I always  accompanied  them  on 
the  visit. 

This  was  a source  of  great  delight 
to  me,  as  pastor  Roth  was  a most 
instructive  and  entertaining  man.  I 
had,  too,  such  confidence  in  him  that 
I felt  at  liberty  to  communicate  all  my 
thoughts  and  feelings  to  him. 

He  understood  me  equally  well,  and 
always  had  something  instructive  to 
impart.  On  one  occasion  he  asked 
me  whether  I knew  what  was  the  cus- 
tom of  the  peasant  women  of  that 
region  before  going  to  bed.  I an- 
swered no,  and  he  continued  : 

“In  order  to  prevent  the  necessity 
of  making  a new  fire  in  the  morning, 
they  gather  the  glowing  coals  together 
at  night  and  cover  them  with  ashes, 
so  that  they  may  find  them  still  alive 


52  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISII  GIEL. 

when  they  are  ready  to  use  them.  So, 
when  you  retire  to  bed,  you  should 
ask  Clod  to  gather  together  holy  emo- 
tions in  your  heart,  that  your  first 
waking  thoughts  may  be  of  him.” 
This  advice  I followed,  and  derived 
from  it  great  peace  and  comfort  in 
communion  with  the  Saviour. 

At  another  time  I intimated  to  him 
how  sad  it  would  be  for  me  when  I 
must  return  to  the  service  of  my 
former  master,  where  only  derision 
and  contempt  awaited  me  upon  my 
avowal  of  my  faith  in  Jesus,  and  how 
I should  long  for  the  Christian  in- 
struction and  companionship  enjoyed 
in  my  last  home  in  such  rich  measure. 

On  this  occasion  he  told  me,  for  my 
encouragement  in  steadfastness,  the 

history  of  the  young  martyr, 

2 * 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIRL.  53 


CYEYLLUS. 

In  Ciesaren,  in  the  year  258  after 
Christ,  a child  named  Cyryllus  mani- 
fested uncommon  fortitude.  He  called 
upon  the  name  of  Christ  continually, 
and  neither  blows  nor  ill-treatment 
availed  to  force  him  into  renouncing 
Christianity. 

Children  of  his  own  age  soon  fol- 
lowed his  example,  and  his  father 
drove  him  from  the  house,  on  account 
of  which  many  people  applauded  his 
zeal  for  his  false  religion. 

The  judge  summoned  the  child 
before  him  and  said  : 

“ My  child,  I will  pardon  you,  and 
your  father  will  receive  you  again,  if 
you  are  only  wise  enough  to  renounce 
yonr  errors.” 


54  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 

“ I think  hut  little  of  the  offer,” 
answered  the  child  : “ God  will  receive 
me.  It  matters  not  to  me  that  I am 
turned  out  of  my  earthly  dwelling  ; 
there  remains  for  me  a better  home. 
I do  not  fear  death,  for  it  will  open  to 
me  a better  life.” 

After  he  had,  by  the  grace  of  God, 
made  this  good  confession,  he  was 
bound  and  led  to  execution. 

The  humanity  of  the  judge  prompted 
him  to  fresh  remonstrances,  while  he 
hoped  that  the  sight  of  the  blazing 
fagots  would  shake  the  resolution,  of 
the  child. 

“Your  fire  and  your  sword  are 
trifles,”  said  the  young  martyr. 
“ They  can  only  take  me  to  a glorious 
home  and  to  exceeding  riches.  Let  me 
rather  die,  that  I may  possess  them.” 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  55 

The  spectators  wept,  overcome  by 
their  emotions,  while  he  said  to  them, 
“ You  know  not  what  hope  I enjoy, 
nor  the  city  I am  going  to  dwell  in.” 

Thus  he  went  to  his  death,  and  was 
the  wonder  of  the  whole  community. 

Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  has 
God  perfected  praise ! 

I was  ashamed  of  1113^  weakness  and 
fearfulness  upon  hearing  this,  but  I 
could  not  think  of  separation  from  the 
family  at  Liebenzell  without  a shud- 
der, and  I saw  no  escape  from  the  dis- 
tressing change. 

The  autumn  j>assed  but  too  quickly: 
the  troops  were  no  longer  required  for 
field-service,  and  my  master  went  into 
winter  quarters  in  Bavaria. 

I Avas  obliged  to  accompany  him. 


5G  SETMA,  THE  TURIvISII  GIKL. 

and  was  only  sustained  in  the  lieart- 
hreaking  separation  from  my  friends 
hy  the  hope  of  seeing  them  when  the 
war  should  again  open. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


THE  ESCAPE  FROM  TYRANNY. 

HAT  I so  much  desired  happened 


but  in  part.  The  war  com- 
menced early  in  the  spring,  and  I was 
obliged  to  accompany  the  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  to  Wiirtemberg;  this  time, 
however,  Ave  did  not  go  to  Liebenzell, 
but  to  the  little  to\vm  of  Weil,  gener- 
ally knoAvn  as  Weilerstadt,  where  he 
left  me  Avith  his  Avife. 

There  I Avas  in  an  unhappy  condi- 
tion indeed : no  friend  or  adviser  to 
Avhom  I could  impart  my  troubles, 
no  Bible  from  AAdiich  to  obtain  comfort. 

Hoav  gladly  Avould  I have  made 


57 


58  SET3IA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL. 


but  a short  visit  to  pastor  Koth  in 
iNlottlingen,  vliicli  is  but  one  hour  dis- 
tant from  Weilerstadt,  but  I was  not 
permitted.  I passed  weary  days 
under  the  oppression  of  my  mistress, 
and  would  have  given  up  in  despair, 
had  not  Grod  in  mercy  sustained  me  in 
my  deepest  sorrows  by  the  remem- 
brances of  his  promises. 

One  day,  after  my  mistress  had  been 
unusually  harsh  with  me,  she  left  me 
alune  while  she  went  to  visit  some  of 
her  friends.  I stood  by  the  window 
and  wept  bitterly,  crying  aloud  from 
my  soul  to  God : “0  heavenly 

Father,  who  knowest  all  things,  canst 
thou  see  all  that  I suffer  without 
sending  me  relief?  Wilt  thou  not 
help  me  now,  after  I have  called  upon 
thee  so  long,  and  set  me  at  liberty 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIRL.  59 

from  this  honclage  of  fear  and  an- 
guish ? 0 merciful  Father,  pity  and 

help  me !”  While  thus  lamenting 
and  weeping  to  myself,  the  landlord 
who  kept  the  Black  Eagle  where  we 
stayed  entered  the  room  and  saw  my 
tears. 

As  he  knew  of  the  severity  of  my 
mistress,  he  at  once  understood  the 
cause  of  my  grief;  and  when  I saw 
how  much  he  pitied  me,  I opened  my 
heart  to  him,  and  intimated  how  I 
longed  for  an  opportunity  to  escape. 

He  inquired  whether  I had  any 
friends  in  the  country,  and  I could 
only  name  the  justice  in  Liebenzell 
and  his  sister,  Mrs.  Sommerell  of 
Stuttgart;  whereupon  his  resolution 
was  taken  at  once,  as  the  last  name 
was  familiar  to  him. 


00  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL. 


AYithoiit  saying  a word  to  any  one 
in  his  house,  he  shut  me  up  in  a room 
directly  over  the  apartment  of  my 
mistress,  where  I could  hear  every 
word  she  spoke  through  a small  open- 
ing, and  could  see  almost  as  well, 
lie  hade  me  pay  good  heed  to  her 
Avords,  Avhich  was  not  difficult,  as  she 
spoke  Bohemian ; and  having  taken 
the  key,  he  awaited  heloAv  and  I above 
the  return  of  my  mistress.  I cannot 
describe  my  state  of  mind  in  the  in- 
terval : fear,  anguish,  hope  and  joy 
had  the  mastery.  But 
despairing  thoughts  so  overwhelmed 
me  that  the  impression  returned  for 
years  after  Avhen  alone  in  a closed 
room,  only  disappearing  when  I had 
attained  true  peace  in  God.  At  length, 
late  in  the  night,  my  mistress  returned 


alternately 


SETMA,  TPIE  TUKKISH  GIRL,  61 


Tery  much  intoxicated,  as  I anticipated ; 
and  although  as  usual  she  called  upon 
me,  she  hardly  noticed  my  absence, 
and  was  soon  in  a heavy  slumber.  I 
scarcely  closed  my  eyes  during  the 
night,  and  when,  despite  my  distress- 
ing fears,  sleep  overcame  me,  I was 
constantly  roused  by  frightful  dreams. 

The  fear  lest  the  precautions  of  the 
landlord  should  fail  deprived  me  of 
all  rest.  How  possible  was  it  that  I 
should  be  betrayed  in  my  conceal- 
ment, and  then  what  trouble  awaited 
me ! 

My  mistress,  a severe  and  terrible 
Avoman,  Avould  never  forgive  me,  and 
my  situation  would  be  far  Avorse  than 
ever  before. 

In  the  morning,  AAdien  she  aAvoke, 
matters  began  to  assume  a serious  as- 


6 


62  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 

pect.  Sli6  cried  for  me  in  vain ; no 
Setma  appeared.  At  last,  slie  sum- 
moned the  landlord,  who  said  that  no 
one  had  seen  me  since  the  afternoon 
of  the  preceding  day.  Then  she  be- 
gan to  examine  into  the  position  of 
affairs,  and  I shuddered  to  hear  her 
rave  and  swear  while  she  set  on  foot 
inepuiries  in  every  direction. 

It  occurred  to  her  that  I could  be  no- 
where else  than  at  Liebenzell,  and  she 
sent  messengers  there  without  delay. 

This  my  cautious  friend  had  antici- 
pated, and  so  advised  me  against  re- 
tiring there. 

As  none  of  the  messengers  returned 
with  news  of  me,  her  suspicions  rested 
upon  the  landlord,  and  I heard  her 
say  to  her  Bohemian  servant  that  I 
must  be  concealed  in  the  house,  which 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  63 

sliould  be  searched  before  dawn  from 
top  to  bottom.  This  I communicated 
to  the  landlord  when  he  came  to  brino; 
me  my  food,  and  he  was  somewhat 
disconcerted  by  it.  At  midnight, 
however,  when  the  house  was  still,  he 
returned,  led  me  past  the  room  of  my 
mistress,  at  which  I glanced  with  fear 
and  trembling,  out  of  the  house  to  the 
dwelling  of  his  mother,  who  lived  at 
no  great  distance  from  the  Eagle. 
Here  we  were  obliged  to  knock  for 
some  time,  although  all  had  been  ar- 
ranged with  the  old  lady. 

The  landlord  asked  me  if  I had  any 
money.  I had  all  my  possessions, 
consisting  of  three  florins,  with  me. 
These  I handed  him  at  once ; one  of 
them  he  gave  to  his  mother,  and  re- 
turned the  others  to  me  as  proof  of  his 


G4  setjIa,  the  terkish  girl. 


sincerity  and  disinterestedness.  Onlj- 
from  heartfelt  pity  had  he  determined 
to  rescue  me  from  my  sad  situation. 

jMay  the  God  who  remembers  the 
cup  of  cold  water  given  to  a disciple 
reward  him  in  that  day  according  to 
his  mercy  and  truth  ! 

In  obedience  to  the  landlord’s  in- 
structions, I laid  aside  the  few  Turk- 
ish clothes  I possessed,  and  put  on 
the  humble  attire  of  a peasant  girl  or 
maid-servant.  As  day  was  dawning, 
we  were  obliged  to  get  out  of  town 
without  loss  of  time,  and  direct  our 
steps  to  Stuttgart. 

I passed  the  guards  at  the  gate,  with 
the  help  of  my  conductress,  without 
difficulty,  but  afterward  had  an  unex- 
pected encounter,  which  terrified  me 
exceedingly. 


Setma. 


Page  (>5, 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIRL.  65 

We  were  in  tlie  open  field  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Magstadt,  and  the 
day  had  fairly  dawned,  when  a rider 
approached  whom  I recognized  as  one 
of  my  master’s  guards. 

I hardly  had  time  in  my  flight  to 
notify  my  old  friend  before  she  led 
me  aside  into  a by-path,  and  the  rider 
passed  without  paying  any  further 
attention  to  us. 

Thus  the  merciful  hand  of  God 
snatched  me  from  danger,  and  I could 
say  in  the  language  of  Scripture,  “ He 
is  wonderful  in  counsel  and  excellent 
in  working.” 

But  oh  how  tiresome  was  this 
journey  of  five  long  hours  on  foot! 
While  living  in  Belgrade  I had  never 
even  stood  for  an  hour  upon  my  feet. 
I had  all  the  comforts  of  a rich  and 


G6  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIEI. 


distiiiguisliG'd  person.  A multitude 
of  slaves  were  subject  to  my  com- 
mands; and  as  Turkish  ladies  spend 
the  greater  part  of  their  time  in  the 
retirement  of  their  dwellings,  my 
weary  journey  was  something  quite 
nev/. 

Since  m3"  servitude  also  with  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Burget  we  had  gener- 
all}"  travelled  in  a vehicle,  and  only 
in  Liebenzell  had  I learned  to  take 
lumier  or  shorter  walks,  from  which  I 
always  returned  quite  weary. 

Aud  uow,  ill  unaccustomed  attire, 
after  a sleepless  night,  I made  my 
first  long  journe}"  on  foot.  My  feet 
were  soon  sore,  and  every  step  caused 
an  increase  of  pain.  However,  by 
evening,'  we  a]iproached  the  much- 
desired  city  of  Stuttgart,  which,  not- 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL,  C7 


withstanding  my  sufferings,  I greeted 
as  a place  of  rest  and  peace. 

As  we  reached  the  top  of  a hill  from 
which  the  valley  and  farther  moun- 
tains can  be  discerned,  it  was  seen 
clearly  in  the  light  of  the  setting  sun. 
Blooming  fruit  trees  were  red  with 
blossoms,  recalling  the  almond  trees 
in  Belgrade.  The  tir  trees,  too,  were 
ruddy,  and  still  brighter  seemed  the 
vineyards.  The  far-off  hills  were 
bathed  in  a violet  haze,  while  red 
clouds  swam  over  us  in  the  heavens, 
tinted,  to  my  fancy,  with  the  colours 
of  freedom,  the  prospect  of  which  was 
unspeakably  joyful  in  the  midst  of  all 
my  pain. 

But  my  troubles  were  not  over.  As 
we  approached  the  Bothenbiihl  gate 
after  our  fatiguing  journey,  we  were 


68  SETMA,  THE  TUKKISH  GIEL. 

forljidden  to  enter,  ns  it  was  a time  of 
war,  and  we  were  obliged  to  make 
quite  a circuit  before  reaching  the 
upper  city  gate. 

It  was  almost  impossible  for  me  to 
drag  my  wounded  feet  along,  but 
necessity  compelled  me ; and  when, 
almost  overcome  by  weakness,  I was 
about  to  sink  down,  my  conductress 
gave  me  her  arm  and  encouraged  me. 

But  her  own  courage  was  about  to 
be  sorely  tested.  The  outer  guard  of 
the  upper  gate  gave  us  permission  to 
pass,  but  the  inner  guard  detained  us, 
and  questioned  us  with  such  severity 
that  my  companion  fell  back  and  dis- 
{\pp0ared.  I never  saw  or  heard  of 
her  afterward,  but  she  doubtless 
reached  home  without  difficulty. 

Xow  I stood  alone  among  the  sol- 


SETMA,  THE  TUEEISH  GIRL.  69 


diers,  while  my  accent  bespoke  me  a 
stranger  ; and  I know  not  what  further 
trouble  might  have  awaited  me,  or 
whether  I should  not  have  sunk  down 
into  a swoon,  had  not  God  quickly 
sent  me  help.  Thus  he  watches  over 
his  children,  for  whom  he  designs  only 
good,  and  not  a hair  of  my  head  was 
touched. 

As  the  soldiers  were  about  to  renew 
their  interrogations,  there  came  by 
chance,  or  rather  by  God’s  direction, 
the  wife  of  a labourer  through  the 
gate,  on  her  way  home.  She  rescued 
me  from  the  hands  of  the  soldiers, 
whom  God  did  not  permit  to  detain 
me.  I had  hardl}"  reached  her  humble 
abode  before  I fell  down  exhausted, 
for  I was  no  longer  able  to  stand  on 
my  feet.  She  treated  me  most  ten- 


70  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIEL. 


derly,  and  was  as  kind  as  if  she  had 
long  known  me. 

She  prepared  a bed  for  me,  took  off 
my  clothes,  and  laid  me  down  in  it. 
Then  she  examined  my  feet,  that  had 
been  so  greatly  overtaxed,  and  applied 
a cooling  salve,  which  soon  had  the 
effect  of  allaying  my  intense  pain. 

Afterward  she  prepared  me  a good 
supper,  and  gave  me  a glass  of  wine 
to  drink.  ]\Iy  great  fatigue  soon  in- 
duced sleep,  and  I passed  a quiet 
night. 

The  good  woman  was  alone,  as  her 
husband  was  working  in  a neighbour- 
ing town,  and  I was  obliged  to  spend 
two  days  with  her,  keeping  my  bed 
all  the  time  in  consequence  of  my 
wounded  feet. 

When  I had  somewhat  recovered 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  71 

after  the  unremitting  attentions  of  my 
kind  hostess,  I told  her  of  my  acquaint- 
ance Avith  Mrs.  Dr.  Sommerell,  and 
she  at  once  took  measures  to  let  her 
know  that  I Avas  in  Stuttgart.  Mrs, 
Sommerell  came  immediately  to  see 
me,  and  to  knoAV  of  all  that  happened 
since  we  last  met.  She  took  a lively 
interest  in  the  account  of  my  experi- 
ences, and  said  that  I must  at  once 
return  home  Avith  her. 

From  that  time  a neAv  life  daAvned 
upon  me. 

This  admirable  Avoman  rendered  me 
unspeakable  service  both  in  body  and 
soul ; she  treated  me  as  a daughter, 
and  I enjoyed  a full  compensation  for 
all  my  former  experiences  of  sorroAV, 


CHAPTER  V. 

THE  HOTEL  BAEvEN  IN  STUTTGART. 

mriAT  which  I first  asked  for  and 
most  desired  after  reaching  my  new 
home,  was  a Bible.  Until  then,  I did 
not  own  the  whole  Bible,  or  even  the 
New  Testament.  Now  there  was  an 
opportunity  to  obtain  one,  and  my  re- 
quest Avas  not  denied. 

Mrs.  Sommerell,  Avhom  from  this 
time  I addressed  as  mother,  gave  me 
a pocket  Bible  printed  in  Wittenberg; 
and  it  became  so  dear  to  me  that  had 
my  jewel-box  from  Belgrade  been 
brought  me  and  offered  in  exchange,  I 

72 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  73 

would  not  have  parted  with  my  Bible 
to  regain  it. 

The  texts  which,  upon  earlier  or 
later  reading,  were  blessed  to  me  I 
was  in  the  habit  of  underlining  with  a 
red  mark.  When  I afterward  re- 
curred to  these  marked  passages, 
they  served  as  a memorial  of  answers 
to  prayer,  deliverances,  warnings  and 
humiliations ; and  were  but  so  many 
calls  to  praise  and  thank  God  for  past 
goodness,  as  well  as  warrants  for 
greater  confidence  in  him.  My  whole 
life,  since  my  first  knowledge  of 
religion,  stands  thus  displayed  in 
striking  passages  : indeed  many  places 
in  my  Bible  in  later  years  were 
entirely  red. 

When,  for  instance,  my  eye  fell 
upon  the  text,  “ All  things  work  to- 

7 


74  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL. 

gether  for  good  to  them  who  love 
God,”  the  red  line  beneath  recalled 
an  hour  of  apprehension  in  Landshiit, 
Avhen  I had  lost  the  key  of  my  mis- 
tress’ jewel-box.  At  that  time  this 
verse  occurred  to  mo,  and  gave  me  so 
much  comfort  that  I was  able  to  col- 
lect my  mind  for  a successful  search. 
Another  text,  “He  shall  deliver  the 
needy,  and  him  that  hath  no  helper,” 
was  marked  as  a memento  of  release 
from  captivity  ; and  the  passage,  “ He 
leadeth  the  blind  by  a way  they  know 
not,”  recalled  the  time  when  the  city 
of  Belgrade  was  besieged,  and  I so 
longed  for  death,  while  God  spared  me 
that  I might  find  eternal  life  through 
faith  in  his  Son. 

Thus  my  Bible  became  daily  dearer 
to  me,  and  I learned  to  prize  it  as  the 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL  75 

greatest  treasure  one  can  possess.  I 
wondered  therefore  not  a little  that  in 
many  houses  in  Christian  lands  this 
Holy  Book  lies  covered  with  dust 
upon  the  shelf. 

My  true  mother  and  protectress 
was  interested  in  everything  which 
concerned  my  personal  safety,  and 
made  known  my  history  to  every  one 
of  influence. 

This  was  of  great  service  to  me, 
'particularly  in  the  case  of  the  wife  of 
the  councillor  of  state,  who  spoke  on 
my  behalf  to  the  princess  JMagdalena 
Sybylla,  then  co-regent  and  female 
sovereign. 

The  princess  promised  me  her  pro- 
tection, and  showed  me  till  her  death 
innumerable  kindnesses,  for  which 
may  God 


abundantly  reward  her ! 


76  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL. 


This  powerful  protection  Avas  Avell 
timed.  Xot  long  after  my  former 
master  came  to*  Stuttgart,  and,  having 
by  some  means  found  out  that  I Avas 
there,  he  endeavoured  to  regain  pos- 
session of  me. 

One  night,  when  Mrs.  Sommerell 
Avas  absent,  one  of  his  servants,  Avhom 
I Avell  kneAv,  entered  the  house  and 
threatened  me  severely. 

I Avas  in  great  fear  and  terror, 
although  someAvhat  assured  by  the 
presence  of  Mrs.  Sommerell’s  son, 
Avho  Avas  a magistrate.  As  soon  as 
she  returned  and  had  heard  of  the 
circumstance,  she  sent  at  once  to 
INIadame  AYachinheim,  avIio  Avaited 
upon  the  princess  immediately,  beg- 
ging her  to  take  measures  to  free  me 
from  the  control  of  my  former  master. 


SSTMA,  THE  TUilKISH  GIEL.  77 

The  princess  took  the  matter  in 
hand  without  delay,  and  sent  one  of 
her  chamberlains  to  confer  with  him 
about  my  purchase. 

She  invited  him  also  to  her  table, 
and  treated  him  with  such  kindness 
and  condescension  that  he  was  en- 
tirely brought  over,  and  willingly 
consented  to  my  release. 

His  wife  also  was  at  last  obliged  to 
agree  to  it,  although  most  unwillingly, 
as  she  would  far  rather  have  satisfied 
her  revenge. 

• I should  have  been  better  pleased 
if  I had  not  been  required  to  see  her 
again,  but  to  this  I Avas  obliged  to 
consent. 

At  the  command  of  the  princess,  I ac- 
cepted an  invitation  to  dine  at  the  Hotel 
Baren,  where  Lieutenant-Colonel  Bur- 

7* 


78  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 

get  and  his  wife  were  lodging,  though 
I went  with  fear  and  trembling. 

But  now  that  I belonged  to  the  prin- 
cess, my  former  mistress  did  not  dare 
to  treat  me  in  any  other  than  a friendly 
manner.  Notliing  was  said  that  made 
it  necessary  for  me  to  say  how  I 
reached  Stuttgart,  and  I was  thus 
saved  the  necessity  of  mentioning  the 
landlord  of  the  Black  Eagle,  whom  I 
felt  I would  not  betray  after  his  great 
kindness. 

They  asked  me  only  what  had  hap- 
pened since  my  arrival — of  my  em- 
ployments— whether  I had  seen  the 
castle,  and  like  questions. 

AVhen  I took  my  departure,  I 
thanked  them  for  all  the  kindness 
they  had  ever  shown  me,  and  I was 
quite  sincere.  They  might  have  sold 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  79 

me  into  worse  slavery,  or  even  treated 
me  more  roughly.  But  the  Lord,  my 
unseen  guardian,  watched  over  my 
steps  and  sheltered  me  with  his  hand, 
so  that  no  evil  befell  me. 

The  worst,  too,  that  I experienced, 
was  doubtless  necessary  and  beneficial, 
since  I was  led  by  it  to  prize  my  de- 
liverance the  more. 

When  I came  out  from  the  hotel,  I 
rather  flew  than  ran  the  whole  road 
to  Spitalplatz  in  a few  minutes’  time, 
and  upon  reaching  home  threw  my 
arms  about  my  benefactress  and  cried, 

“They  shall  never  take  me  away 
again !” 

“No,  thank  God!”  she  replied. 
“ lie  himself  has  accomplished  your 
deliverance,  and  to  his  name  be  the 
praise.” 


CHAPTER  VI. 

IXSTErCTIOX  AND  BAPTISM. 

rpiIUS  I lived  in  daily  intercourse 
and  companionship  vitli  true 
Christians,  although  I had  not  openly 
professed  their  faith. 

This  could  not  longer  continue, 
■when  I believed  not  only  in  God, 
hut  in  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,  and  had 
experienced  in  many  ways  the  sustain- 
ing and  comforting  influences  of  his 
word.  Accordingly,  I expressed  to 
my  motherly  friend  my  wish  to  be 
baptized  and  to  be  received  into  the 
Christian  Church ; for  this  she  had 


80 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  81 


waited,  and  joyfully  participated  in 
my  desire. 

Her  son,  Avho  was  at  that  time 
preaching  in  Stuttgart,  and  afterward 
settled  in  Urach,  where  he  died,  un- 
dertook my  daily  instruction  in  the  • 
doctrines  of  the  Christian  faith  ; and 
the  blessedness  of  these  hours  of  in- 
struction, begun  and  ended  ivith 
prayer,  I have  never  forgotten,  and  I 
trust  will  never  lose  sight  of. 

The  word  of  God  became  so  clear  to 
me  through  his  explanations  that  I 
had  more  enjoyment  than  ever  in 
reading  it,  and  was  always  sorry  when 
household  duty,  which  could  not  be  put 
aside,  interfered  with  my  attendance 
upon  his  readings. 

He  was  not  only  clear,  but  original 
in  his  mode  of  teaching,  and  I was 


82  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL. 

much  struck  with  some  of  his  views. 
AVheii  alludiug  to  the  decrees  of  God 
coucerniug  the  world,  he  dwelt  par- 
ticularly upon  his  attributes,  as  dis- 
played ill  his  dealings  with  men. 
These  he  illustrated  by  examples  which 
appeared  almost  contradictory.  For 
instance,  the  flood,  which  carried  away 
the  wicked  in  the  time  of  !N^oah — the 
tire  wdiich  overwhelmed  the  ungodly  in 
Sodom  and  Gomorrah — were  not  only 
examples  of  the  just  severity  of  God, 
but  of  his  mercy ; for  said  he,  God 
took  the  guilty  away  from  the  possi- 
bility of  sinning  further,  and  so  in- 
creasing their  condemnation. 

In  the  case  of  Pharaoh,  he  affirmed 
that  not  only  divine  power,  but  love 
also  was  displayed  ; for  had  Pharaoh 
opened  his  heart  to  right  imjiressions 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL.  83 

in  view  of  the  wonderful  works  of 
Jehovah,  he  would  have  been  brought 
to  repentance  and  a saving  knowledge 
of  the  true  God. 

On  the  contrary,  not  only  love  and 
grace  are  displayed  in  pardoning  sin, 
but  justice  also,  according  to  the  verse 
in  the  first  epistle  of  St.  John,  “ If  we 
confess  our  sins,  God  is  faithful  and 
just  to  forgive  us  our  sins  and  to 
cleanse  us  from  all  iniquity.” 

For  the  Saviour  my  teacher  enter- 
tained a profound  and  child-like  rever- 
ence, and  an  earnest,  heartfelt  affection. 
I never  heard  him  say,  as  is  cus- 
tomary, “ The  Lord  Jesus,”  or  “ The 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.”  He  justly  con- 
sidered that  the  term  “ Lord,”  when 
used  with  reference  to  Christ,  was  not 
a title  such  as  we  employ  for  the  great. 


84  SETilA,  THE  TUEEISH  GIKL. 

l)ut  that  its  significance  was  deeper, 
as  the  government  of  the  world  is 
committed  to  him. 

lie  said  instead,  with  atfectionate 
appropriation,  “Our  Lord  Jesus,”  or 
“ Our  Lord  Christ.” 

He  held  true  Christians  and  the 
Church  of  God,  composed  of  all  true 
believers,  in  great  reverence,  but 
Christians  must  be  such  as  could  have 
saved  the  cities  of  Sodom,  when  Abra- 
ham appealed  to  the  Ruler  of  the 
world  on  its  behalf.  “Were  the 
Church  composed  of  such,  the  world 
would  feel  its  influence,  and  must 
look  about  for  a prop  should  it  be 
broken  up.” 

At  one  time,  when  speaking  of  the 
love  of  truth,  he  contrasted  the  exam- 
ples of  Christ  before  the  high  priests 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  85 

and  Pilate,  and  Peter  at  the  tire  of 
coals.  Pie  then  asked,  “ When  is  false- 
hood allowable  ?”  Quite  surprised 
and  unprepared  for  his  question,  I 
answered,  “When  necessity  compels.” 

Q.  That  we  will  inquire  into.  What 
is  falsehood  in  the  sight  of  the  God. 

A.  A sin. 

Q.  What  must  also  be  permitted, 
if  your  answer  was  correct  ? 

A.  Sins  of  necessity. 

Q.  Is  that  possible  ? 

A.  No. 

Q.  Why  not  ? 

A.  Because  all  sin  is  forbidden. 

Q.  When,  for  example,  one  is  in 
need,  and  steals  in  order  to  save  his 
life,  is  that  also  a sin  ? 

A.  Why  not?  He  should  rather 
have  asked  help. 

8 


8G  SETMA,  THE  TUKKISH  GIEL. 

Q.  If  lie  lias  clone  it  in  vain? 

A.  Then  lie  should  have  asked  God 
to  supply  his  want. 

Q.  What  must  accompany  prayer  ? 

A.  Faith. 

Q.  Had  the  poor  man  trusted  in 
God,  would  he  have  committed  this 
sin  ? 

A.  Xo;  it  was  because  he  lacked 
faith. 

Q.  Another,  example.  A Holland 
ship-captain,  Wilhelm  Isbrand  Bonte- 
kor,  lost  his  vessel  by  fire  in  the  Indian 
seas.  He  escaped  with  a portion  of 
his  crew  in  an  open  boat,  but  they 
forgot  to  take  provisions  with  them, 
and  they  soon  began  to  experience 
extreme  hunger.  In  the  greedy  looks 
of  the  crew  was  manifested  the  yet 
unspoken  intention  to  kill  some  of  the 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL.  87 

sufferers  and  devour  their  flesh. 
Was  that  allowable? 

A.  Oh  no,  for  the  sixth  command- 
ment indiscriminately  forbids  murder. 

Q.  But  when  the  need  was  so  great, 
and  nothing  else  remained,  was  it  not 
better  that  a few  should  be  sacrificed 
for  the  preservation  of  the  rest  ? 

A.  I believe  that  Glod  will  not  per- 
mit any  who  trust  in  him  to  be  driven 
to  despair,  and  then  it  were  better  to 
die  than  to  sin  against  God. 

Q,.  Upon  what  is  this  conviction 
grounded  ? 

A.  Upon  the  belief  that  God  has 
ways  and  means  in  his  power  which 
short-sighted  men  cannot  see ; and 
again  that  this  earthly  life  is  not  worth 
so  much  as  that  a man  should  risk  his 
soul  to  prolong  it. 


88  SETMA,  THE  TUKKISH  GIEL. 

Q.  Yes ! the  price  of  relief  is  too  high 
when  it  involves  sin,  and  so  Bontekor 
thoiioiit.  In  the  conviction  that  God 

O 

would  help  him,  he  besought  his  crew 
to  delay  their  bloody  purpose  for  three 
days,  Imping  in  that  time  to  reach 
land,  and  his  hope  was  realized. 
Upon  what,  then,  are  lies  of  necessity^ 
as  you  say,  based  ? 

A.  Upon  unbelief. 

Q,.  In  how  far  ? 

A.  Ydioever  has  faith  trusts  that 
God  will,  according  to  his  promise,  de- 
liver all  who  trust  in  him  in  their  time 
of  need. 

Q.  How,  then,  can  we  account  for  the 
falsehoods  told  by  such  holy  men  as 
Abraham,  Isaac,  Jacc'b,  David? 

A.  They  were  all  weak  and  sinful 
men,  ami  we  are  only  to  copy  what 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIEL.  89 

was  good  in  them.  There  is  hut  One 
alone  who  did  no  sin,  and  of  Avhom  it 
is  expressly  said,  Neither  was  guile 
found  in  his  mouth.  When  holy  men 
have  recourse  to  falsehood,  it  is  in  a 
moment  of  unbelief;  Jesus  was  always 
strong  in  faith,  and  could  not  be  over- 
come by  temptation. 

I enjoyed  these  instructions  some- 
what longer  than  half  a year,  and  by 
the  end  of  that  time,  by  the  blessing 
of  Grod,  I was  sufficiently  instructed 
in  the  truths  of  religion  to  warrant 
my  admission  to  the  Church  by  bap- 
tism. This  announcement  gave  me 
great  joy,  and  I thanked  God,  and 
besought  him  that  he  would  grant  me 
the  right  state  of  mind  for  the  reception 
of  this  holy  ordinance. 

At  Christmas  the  princess  sent  me 
8 » 


90  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 


a large  silver  medal,  on  one  side  of 
which  was  a delineation  of  the  bap- 
tism of  onr  Lord,  and  on  the  other 
the  feast  of  Lentecost.  Under  the 
former  was  the  inscription,  “ Without 
measure;'"  under  the  latter,  '■‘■Without 
mniiber."  I asked  the  meaning  of 
these  words,  and  Mrs.  Sommerell  re- 
plied that  the  terms  “without  meas- 
ure” had  reference  alone  to  the  Lord 
Jesus,  who  was  abundantly  filled  with, 
the  Spirit,  and  is  called  the  anointed 
Christ.  The  words  “without  number” 
indicate  Christians  who  are  filled  with 
the  Holy  Ghost,  and  whose  number 
is  as  the  stars  in  heaven. 

“ To  that  countless  throng  will  you 
belong,”  she  added,  “ and  your  salva- 
tion will  be  doubly  prized  that  you 
have  been  brought  by  the  wonderful 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  91 


hand  of  God,  from  among  a nation 
M'here  but  few  have  as  yet  received  so 
great  a blessing.  Let  us  pray  that 
many  may  soon  acknowledge  the  Cru- 
citied.” 

“ Amen,”  I replied,  from  a full 
heart ; “ God  speed  the  time!” 

I was  baptized  on  the  sixteenth  of 
Januaiy.  We  took  our  appointed 
place  among  the  assembled  crowd  of 
worshippers,  while  the  first  verse  of 
one  of  Paul  Gerhard’s  hymns  was 
sung: 


“ If  God  be  on  my  side, 
Then  let  who  will  oppose.” 


The  sermon  was  long,  but  I was  so 
occupied  with  prayer,  and  so  exercised 
by  deep  emotion,  that  I could  take  but 
little  heed  of  it. 


92 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 


At  the  close  of  the  sermon  was 
Slum'  the  verse : 

O 


“ No  joys  that  angels  know, 

Ko  throne  or  widespread  fame, 

Ko  love  or  loss,  no  fear  or  woe, 

Ko  grief  of  heart  or  shame— 

IMan  cannot  aught  conceive, 

Of  pleasure  or  of  harm, 

That  e’er  could  tempt  my  soul  to  leave 
Her  refuge  in  thine  arm.” 


After  this  I made  an  open  profes- 
sion of  faith ; and  so  soon  as  I stood 
lip,  all  thought  of  the  crowd  before 
mo  vanished,  for  I felt  only  the  pres- 
ence of  God,  to  whom  all  hearts  are 
open  and  who  alone  is  Judge  of  their 
sincerity.  Then  I was  baptized  “ in 
the  name  of  the  Father,  the  Son  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,”  and  called  Christina 
Jdagdalena  Eberhardina — to  which 


93 


SET3IA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 

was  afterward  added  tlie  surname  of 
Gottliebin. 

The  Turkish  name  Setma  was  my 
last  surrender.  Fatherland,  family, 
friends,  inheritance,  religion,  language, 
customs,  clothing — I had  given  up  all, 
and  already  found  the  profession  of 
Jesus,  a hundred-fold  more  precious, 
even  in  this  life.  Should  I not  gladly 
renounce  my  name,  in  order  to  pro- 
claim outwardly  what  I inwardly  de- 
sired— namely,  an  entire  renewal  ? 
Thanks  be  to  the  God  who  gradually 
takes  away  from  us  all  that  is  not  fit 
for  his  kingdom  ! That  was  the  day 
of  my  highest  glory,  when  I left  the 
ranks  of  the  ungodly  and  was  de- 
clared a child  of  God  and  heir  to  the 
inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light. 

AVe  went  from  the  church  to  the 


94  SETMA,  THE  TUIIXISH  GIKL. 


castle,  where  the  princess  declared 
before  all  the  assembly  that  she  con- 
sidered me  novr  more  than  ever  at 
liberty.  Afteward,  she  begged  that 
for  the  future  I would  remain  in  her 
service,  and  I accepted  the  proposition 
with  humble  thanks,  only  begging 
permission  to  retire  for  one  day  of 
quiet  meditation,  I feared  that  other- 
wise I should  lose  the  seriousness  of 
my  impressions  amid  external  excite- 
ment, for  how  easily  will  drops  run 
over  from  a full  vessel  when  one  is 
running  hither  and  thither  ! 

I therefore  sought  entire  seclusion 
in  the  house  of  my  good  guardian, 
who  received  me  with  deep  joy  and 
embraced  me  Avith  motherly  affection. 
I saw  no  one  for  the  whole  day,  but 
remained  alone  in  my  room,  some- 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  95 

times  reading  a passage  from  the 
Bible,  at  other  times  a hymn ; again 
reviving  my  great  joy  with  fresh 
thank-offerings  to  the  throne  of  grace. 

The  extraordinary  experiences  of 
my  life,  and  particularly  of  this  day, 
constantly  recurred  to  me,  and  I found 
each  time  new  reason  for  praising 
Him  whose  name  is  Wonderful.  The 
following  day,  in  the  midst  of  tears 
and  manifold  thanks,  I took  leave  of 
my  tender  guardian,  and  repaired  to 
the  castle,  where  I was  committed  to 
the  care  of  one  of  the  court  ladies, 
from  Wachenheim,  a godly  and  intelli- 
gent woman,  by  whose  instruction  and 
example  I was  greatly  benefited.  My 
employment  consisted  chiefly  in  em- 
broidery, which  I had  practiced  con- 
stantly in  my  native  land. 


9G  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL. 

1 was  sliown  especial  favour  by  the 
princess  Eberliardina  Luise,  and  Avith 
the  consent  of  the  royal  mother  I 
entered  her  service,  and  remained 
there  till  her  early  death.  She  was 
very  lively,  but  truly  pious,  and  con- 
stantly discoursed  with  me  on  the 
Avord  of  God  and  religious  experience. 

The  early  death  of  this  admirable 
princess  aa^us  a cause  of  deep  soitoav 
throughout  the  royal  family,  and  Avas 
a great  bloAv  to  me,  not  only  in  vieAV 
of  her  condescending  kindness,  but  her 
personal  interest.  The  costly  gifts 
Avhich  she  left  me  in  token  of  grati- 
tude for  my  small  services  could  not 
modify  my  grief.  Another  noAV  ex- 
perience Avas  the  means  of  rousing  me. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


AN  EARLY  FRIEND  RESTORED. 

T AYAS  now  transferred  to  tlie  service 
of  the  queen-mother,  my  greatest 
benefactress.  Not  long  after  this,  a 
person  came  from  Saxony  with  high 
recommendations,  who  was  called 
Christiana  Maria  Weisse.  I w'as 
much  attracted  by  her  appearance  as 
she  stood  among  the  ladies  of  the 
court,  and  when  we  were  alone  I 
spoke  of  my  pleasure  in  view  of  our 
future  service  together.  She  expressed 
the  same,  adding  that  it  seemed  to 
her  as  though  we  had  been  years  to- 

9 97 


98  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL, 

getlier  before,  and  bad  been  separated 
only  for  a season.  “ Griily !”  I ex- 
claimed, and  sbe  “Setma!”  at  tbe 
same  moment,  wben  we  were  locked 
in  each  other’s  arms  in  close  embrace. 

Tbe  impression  of  my  former  life, 
so  vividly  depicted  to  me  by  this 
meeting,  caused  me  to  weep  bitterly, 
and  for  a little  while  not  a Avord  Avas 
spoken,  Guly  AA'ept  also,  but  collected 
herself  sooner,  saying,  “ I aauII  tell  you 
my  story  at  another  time ; you  are  not 
yet  able  to  hear  it.” 

I AA’as  roused  by  this,  and  noAv  only 
one  thing  came  into  my  mind  to 
moderate  my  great  happiness. 

I desired  to  knoAV  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble AAdiether  Guly  Avas  truly  a Chris- 
tian, AAuth  a heart  full  of  love  to  the 
Saviour.  When  once  assured  that 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  99 

her  experience  had  been  like  mine, 
and  that  she  would  prove  the  friend  I 
so  much  needed,  my  joy  would  be  full 
to  overflowing,  for  even  while  the 
heart  relies  in  Grod  the  hand  seeks 
support. 

David  put  his  firm  trust  in  the 
Lord,  but  had  a Jonathan,  and  wept 
when  he  lost  him.  Paul,  the  noble 
martyr,  mourned  bitterly  that  all  had 
deserted  him  in  Rome,  and  that  he 
was  left  alone.  Who  can  blame  me 
that  my  heart  leaped  for  joy  in  view 
of  what  I might  possess  for  the  future 
in  Griily  ? Ah  ! our  seasons  of  sorrow 
do  not  last  for  ever — the  morning 
cometh  as  well  as  the  nio-ht ! 

O 

One  day,  when  Ave  had  a quiet  hour, 
I took  Guly’s  arm  and  accompanied 
her  into  the  garden,  AAdiere  Ave  reclined 


100  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL, 

together  upon  a rustic  seat  wliile  she 
related  to  me  her  history,  as  follows : 

“ My  feelings,”  said  she,  “as  we  were 
separated  from  each  other,  I cannot 
describe,  hut  you  doubtless  experienced 
the  same. 

“.I  was  dragged,  almost  senseless, 
to  the  camp  of  the  general  wdio  had 
taken  me  prisoner.  He  was  an  aged 
man,  mild  and  benevolent,  and  his 
design  was  to  convey  me  to  his 
daughter  as  a waiting-maid. 

“ This  I did  not  at  first  discover,  as 
I understood  no  German,  and  he  no- 
thing of  the  Turkish  dialect,  but  his 
friendly  treatment,  with  which  I was 
obliged  to  be  satisfied,  was  contrary  to 
my  expectations. 

“ The  contest  was  soon  over,  and 
th(^  general  returned  to  his  posses- 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISII  GIEL.  101 


sions  ill  Silesia,  taking  me  with  him 
to  his  daughter,  who  received  me 
gladly. 

“ Her  joy  was,  however,  lessened, 
when  she  found  that  I could  not  under- 
stand her  language.  In  the  mean 
while,  she  undertook  to  teach  me  with 
g-reat  earnestness  both  to  read  and  to 
Avrite  German.  The  last  Avas  more 
difficult  than  the  first ; hoAvever,  in 
six  months  I had  learned  enough  to 
make  myself  understood  in  the  house, 
and  even  to  read  tolerably  Avell  in  the 
Bible. 

“ This  had  been  given  me  as  a read- 
ing-book, and  as  I did  not  at  first 
know  that  it  Avas  the  holy  book  of  the 
Christians,  I read  it  the  more  eagerly, 
for  the  idea  of  abandoning  my  religion 
had  never  crossed  my  mind. 

9 ■» 


102  SETMA,  THE  TUREISH  GIEL. 

“Tlio  more  I learned  to  understand 
udiat  I read,  the  more  I was  pleased 
with  the  book;  and  Avhen  at  last  I 
came  to  the  history  of  Jesus,  and 
found  out  its  character,  the  truth  of 
God’s  word  and  the  love  of  it  had  so 
taken  possession  of  me  that  I could 
not  go  back. 

“ After  reading  the  history  of  the 
Saviour  and  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles, 
my  heart  was  full  of  the  conviction, 
‘ This  is  true,  this  is  God’s  word.’ 

“ Before  I had  even  acquired  the 
German  language,  I had  accepted  the 
German  religion,  and  before  I could 
take  an  impartial  view  of  the  Chris- 
tian and  Mohammedan  creeds,  Christ 
had  taken  possession  of  my  heart. 
Ah,  what  blessedness  and  joy  followed 
this  enlightenment! 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIRL,  103 

“ The  general  and  his  daughter  re- 
marked that  I was  unusually  im- 
pressed, but  they  wmuld  not  stay  the 
free  course  of  my  awakening,  and 
waited  until  I came  to  them  with  the 
confession  that  I believed  in  Christ, 
the  Saviour  of  the  world. 

“They  were  overjoyed,  and  ex- 
pressed their  satisfaction  to  pastor 
Roth,  Avho  was  established  in  the  vil- 
lage adjoining  their  estate. 

“ He  came  to  hear  of  my  experience, 
and  how  I was  brought  to  believe  in 
Christ.  Then  he  stood  up;  the  old 
and  much-honoured  man  of  eighty, 
with  snow-Avhite  hair,  raised  his  eyes  to 
hea^mn,  and  cried,  ‘Lord,  now  lettest 
thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  for 
mine  eyes  have  seen  a child  of  Ismael 
whom  thou  hast  chosen  for  thyself!’ 


104  SETMA,  THE  TUKKISH  GIEL. 

“ This  awd  servant  of  Christ  had 
been  much  exercised  on  the  subject 
of  the  conversion  of  the  Mohamme- 
dans, and  daily  prayed  that  God 
vould  send  his  Spirit  among  them  to 
open  their  blinded  eyes. 

“ Thus  the  example  of  one  brought 
to  Christ  was  an  encouragement  and 
pledge,  as  it  were,  of  the  further  an- 
swer to  his  earnest  prayers. 

“ He  took  me  at  once  in  charge  for 
instruction,  and  made  most  earnest 
eftbrts  to  enlighten  me  in  the  know- 
ledge of  the  blessed  word  of  God,  the 
love  of  Jesus,  my  own  sinfulness,  and 
the  everlasting  blessedness  of  the  re- 
deemed. His  words  fell  upon  a soil 
well  prepared ; my  soul  was  athirst  to 
know  more  of  Jesus  and  heavenly 
things,  and  I often  asked  questions,  to 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISII  GIRL.  105 

which  he  replied,  ‘ You  must  not 
know  all  at  once;  keep  that  thou  hast.’ 

‘‘  On  Christinas  I was  baptized  and 
called  Maria  Christina. 

“I  did  not  experience,  however,  then, 
what  I expected.  My  heart  seemed 
cold  and  unfeeling,  my  attention  ivas 
directed  to  other  things,  and  my 
thoughts  were  more  forced  than  lively. 

“ I remarked  it  at  once,  sighed  over 
my  condition,  and  prayed  fervently, 
but  remained  so.  For  one  whole  day 
I besought  a change,  and  the  next 
followed  the  blessing,  as  in  a flood 
upon  me. 

“ The  happiness  in  believing  so 
filled  my  heart  that  I could  not  re- 
strain m}^  feelings,  and  cried  aloud  for 

jo.y* 

“ The  general  said,  ‘ Maria,  take 


106  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 

care  ; wlien  the  sky  glows,  rain  follows 
soon  but  the  old  clergyman  replied, 
‘ Let  her  rejoice  and  thank  Grod  for  it. 
The  children  of  the  bride-chamber 
cannot  fast  while  the  bridegroom  is 
with  them.  Truly,  darker  days  may 
come,  but  it  will  be  time  enough  then 
to  mourn.’ 

“The  good  man  was  right,  as  I have 
often  since  experienced.  lie  has 
rested  many  years  in  his  grave,  and  be- 
side him  the  old  general.  He  died  on 
the  New  Year’s  day  after  my  baptism. 

“Ilis  death  was  sudden,  not  like  an 
oak  that  falls  gradually  to  the  earth, 
but  like  a lofty  pine  that  is  brought  to 
the  ground  by  hard  blows.  He  died 
joyfully.  ‘ If  we  suffer  sharp  pain 
but  for  an  hour,’  said  he,  ‘ we  are  apt 
to  feel  as  if  we  had  had  enough  of 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISH  GIEL.  107 

life,  and  many  sorrows  fall  to  the  lot 
of  the  pilgrim  of  earth  in  a life  of 
sixty-four  years.  I shall  make  a 
happy  exchange.  My  Lord  and  Sa- 
viour has  prepared  a portion  for  me. 
My  sins  as  a man,  as  a soldier  and  as 
a general  are  all  forgiven,  and  I have 
obtained  pardon.’ 

“ Then,  as  he  saw  us  weeping,  he 
said,  ‘ Do  not  weep,  children.  It  is 
more  than  a soldier  can  expect  when 
he  is  permitted  to  lie  upon  a deathbed 
at  his  home;  and  besides,  a dying 
Christian  need  not  wish  to  exchange 
with  a living  king.’ 

“He  folded  his  hands,  closed  his 
eyes  and  repeated  this  hymn  : 


I am  flesh,  and  therefore  duly 
Dust  and  ashes  must  become ; 


108  SETMA,  THE  TUKKISII  GIKL. 


This  I know,  but  know  as  truly 
He  will  wake  me  from  the  tomb, 

That  with  him,  whate’er  betide, 

I may  evermore  abide  ! 

God  himself  in  that  blest  place 
Shall  a glorious  body  give  me  ; 

I shall  see  his  blissful  face. 

To  his  heavens  he  will  receive  me — 

To  his  joyful  presence  raise, 

Ever  upon  Christ  to  gaze  ! 

Then  these  eyes  my  Lord  shall  know, 

My  Redeemer  and  my  Brother  ; 

In  his  love  my  soul  shall  glow, 

I myself  and  not  another  1 
Then  from  this  rejoicing  heart 
Every  weakness  shall  depart. 

Thrill,  my  mortal  frame,  with  gladness, 

Fear  not  though  thy  vigour  wane 
Give  not  any  place  to  sadness, 

Christ  shall  raise  the  dead  again. 

When  shall  sound  the  trump  of  doom. 

Piercing,  rending  every  tomb ! 

Smile,  then,  that  cold  and  dark  grave  scorning. 
Smile  at  death  and  hell  together  ; 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  109 


Through  tlie  free  air  of  tlie  morning 
To  your  Saviour  ye  shall  gather ; 
All  infirmity  and  woe 
’Keath  your  feet  then  lying  low. 


“ After  which  he  slept,  like  a child 
who  would  wake  with  the  coming 
morn. 

“After  his  death,  his  son,  a mer- 
chant in  Saxony,  returned  and  took 
possession  of  his  father’s  property. 
He  was  likewise  a noble  Christian 
man,  and  promised  me  at  once  a home 
with  his  sister  and  himself. 

“But  before  a year  had  elapsed,  he 
approached  me  with  the  surprising 
request  that  I should  become  his  wife. 
I made  many  objections  and  begged  a 
delay. 

“ Through  the  persuasions,  however, 

of  himself  and  his  sister,  and  also 
10 


110  SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL. 

from  a sincere  unwillingness  to  dismiss 
him,  I at  last  consented,  and  we  lived 
most  happily  together. 

“ Three  years  after,  my  husband 
found  it  necessary,  in  view  of  many 
circumstances,  to  sell  his  goods  in 
Silesia,  and  purchase  a small  property 
in  Saxony. 

“ We  accordingly  left  our  former 
home,  and  almost  immediately  after 
our  first  day’s  journey  he  became  sick, 
so  that  we  were  often  obliged  to  re- 
main quietly  on  the  road. 

“You  may  judge  of  my  heaviness 
of  heart,  and  how  many  tears  were 
shed  by  me  in  secret,  as  my  prayers 
rose  to  Him  who  loves  even  when  he 
chastises. 

“But  I must  pass  quickly  over 
these  scenes.  A year  after,  my  bus- 


SETMA,  THE  TURKISH  GIRL.  Ill 


band  died  in  my  arms  : his  sister  soon 
followed,  and  as  he  had  no  heirs,  his 
property  reverted  to  the  state.  I was 
left  with  a small  sum  of  money,  and 
being  provided  with  letters  from  the 
duchess,  I travelled  to  Wiirtemberg 
to  seek  the  relatives  of  my  husband ; 
they  were  all  dead.  I availed  myself, 
therefore,  of  my  letters  to  apply  for 
service  here.” 

This  was  the  narration  of  Guly,  now 
called  Maria,  and  I saw,  with  grateful 
acknowledgment  to  God,  that  my  own 
experience  had  not  been  the  worst. 
She  narrated  the  history  more  fully  at 
a later  period,  and  I was  humbled  in 
view  of  her  patience  and  submission 
under  the  many  trials  which  God  had 
laid  upon  her. 

She  often  reproved  me  by  her  ex- 


112  SETMA,  THE  TUEKISII  GIRL. 

ample  of  patience  and  trust  when  I 
was  repining  and  impatient,  and  I 
cannot  express  the  comfort  and  benefit 
resulting  from  our  union.  Our  mutual 
alfection,  implanted  in  childhood,  in- 
creased from  day  to  day,  and  we  exj)e- 
rienced  in  full  measure  the  benefit  of 
a sanctified  friendship. 

When  the  duchess  retired  to  her 
estate  at  Riechheim,  we  were  glad  to 
accompany  her,  and  leave  the  noisy 
and  distracting  town  for  the  quiet 
country.  We  found  many  Christian 
people,  too,  whose  society  Avas  conge- 
nial ; in  intercourse  Avith  Avhom  AA'e 
experienced  great  comfort. 

With  the  approbation  of  the  duchess 
AA'e  opened  a small  school  for  the  bene- 
fit of  the  peasant  girls,  instructing 
them  in  sewing,  knitting  and  em- 


SETMA,  THE  TUEKISII  GIRI . 113 


broidery,  while  we  sought,  above  all, 
their  spiritual  benefit. 

Gladly  would  we  have  remained  for 
life  in  this  delightful  retreat,  but  in 
August,  1712,  my  beloved  benefac- 
tress, the  duchess,  died,  and  we  were 
obliged  to  return  to  Stuttgart. 

O O 


Thus  far  Setma  herself  relates. 

She  held  a position  in  the  court  for 
life,  from  the  duke  Eberhard  Ludwig, 
by  the  recommendation  of  the  duchess 
— lay  in  the  year  1714  upon  a sick 
bed,  and  whether  she  lived  long  after, 
I know  not.  She  was  liberal  in  her 
charities  to  the  poor  and  sick,  and 
consoled  many  of  the  dying  by  her 
ministrations. 

Our  grandparents  in  Stuttgart  have 

often  spoken  of  the  good  lady  Gott- 
10  ■» 


114  HAFIS  AXD  HIS  BIBLE. 


liebin,  and  when  her  memory  shall 
have  passed  from  the  earth,  her  deeds 
will  still  be  registered  in  heaven. 


HAFIS  AND  HIS  BIBLE. 

AFIS  was  a little  Turkish  boy,  the  sou 


of  a man  of  good  family.  He  was  born 
at  Damascus,  but  soon  after  his  parents  re- 
moved to  Constantinople.  They  were  not 
Christains,  but  strict  Mohammedans,  and  most 
anxious  that  their  son  should  grow  up  in  the 
same  faith. 

AYhen  Ilafis  was  seven  years  old,  it  was 
considered  high  time  that  his  education  should 
begin  in  earnest.  His  mother,  therefore, 
placed  him  under  a tutor,  who  was  to  teach 
him  everything  he  ought  to  know.  I am 
afraid  he  could  have  had  little  time  for  play, 


HAFIS  AXD  HIS  BIBLE. 


115 


as,  besides  genei’al  knowledge,  he  was  to  be 
taught  different  languages,  he  was  to  learn 
much  of  the  Koran  by  heart,  and  to  be  well 
instructed  in  what  his  parents  considered  reli- 
gious truth.  But  Hafis  was  fond  of  learning, 
and  by  the  time  he  was  twelve  years  old,  he 
had  gone  through  the  first  course  of  study 
marked  out  for  him. 

The  Koran  is  the  sacred  book  of  the  i\Io- 
hammedans;  and,  though  it  contains  small  por- 
tions of  truth,  it  is  mixed  up  with  much 
error,  falsehood  and  imposture.  Hafis  was 
reading  it  one  day,  when  he  came  to  a pas- 
sage in  it  which  states  that  God  sent  four 
books  into  the  world  to  teach  men  truth  ; 
namely,  the  Koran,  the  Psalms  and  the  Old 
and  Kew  Testaments.  “ Then,”  he  said  to 
himself,  “ I wonder  what  has  become  of  the 
other  three?”  and  he  w’ent  at  once  to  his  tutor 
to  ask  the  question. 

“This  is  how  it  is,”  replied  the  master; 
“to  punish  men  for  their  wickedness,  God 


116  IIAFIS  AND  HIS  BIBLE. 


has  taken  away  the  other  tliree:  so  there  is 
now  no  holy  book  bnt  the  Koran,  and  nobody 
who  can  save  ns  except  Mohammed.”  The 
master  went  away,  and  Hafis  believed  what 
he  said  was  true. 

Not  long  after,  as  he  was  taking  a walk, 
attended  by  two  black  slaves,  through  the 
streets  of  Constantinople,  he  came  to  a man 
selling  books,  and  he  stopped  to  look  at  them. 
The  title  of  an  Arabic  Bible  caught  his  eye : 
he  opened  it,  and  behold,  he  saw  the  names 
of  the  very  books  which  he  had  been  told  had 
vanished  from  the  earth  ! Eagerly  he  asked 
the  price — would  gladly  have  paid  twice 
the  sum  rerpiired  ; then,  clasping  his  treasure, 
hurried  home  to  his  mother.  She  was  as 
much  surprised  as  he  was  at  the  cheapness  of 
the  book — of  the  true  riches  it  contained  she 
knew  nothing. 

And  now,  unknown  to  every  one  bnt  his 
mother,  the  boy  added  this  book  to  his  other 
studies  ; night  and  day  he  searched  the  Scrip- 


HAFIS  AA'D  HIS  BIBLE.  117 


tures,  and  in  two  years  had  read  them  six 
times  through.  Suddenly,  at  last,  divine 
light  burst  upon  him,  and  he  felt  that  the 
Koran  was  false  and  the  Bible  true.  In  a 
moment  he  sent  for  his  tutor,  and  as  he  en- 
tered the  room  he  rushed  toward  him,  say- 
ing, “Now,  if  you  tell  me  true,  I will  spare 
your  life ; but  if  false,  I will  kill  you.” 

“Speak,”  replied  the  astonished  master. 
“ What  is  it?” 

“ Should  we  worship  the  creature  or  the 
Creator  ?” 

“ The  Creator,  undoubtedly,”  replied  the 
master. 

“Then,”  said  Hafis,  “ why  do  we  leave  the 
great  God  to  worship  Moliammed,  who  was 
only  a sinner  like  ourselves?”  And  he  pro- 
ceeded to  show  out  of  the  Bible  that  Mo- 
hammedanism was  false. 

The  tutor  was  angry,  and  went  at  once  to 
the  father  of  Hafis,  to  acquaint  him  with 
what  had  passed. 


118  IIAFIS  AND  HIS  BIBLE. 


The  father  hiirriecl  to  his  son. 

“ What  is  this  I hear?”  he  said.  ‘‘Who  is 
this  Saviour  in  whom  you  say  you  believe?” 

“ I believe  in  Jesus  Christ,”  replied  Hafis  ; 
“ for  I find  ill  my  Bible  that  he  it  is,  and 
not  Mohammed,  who  is  the  Saviour  of  the 
world.” 

1 1 is  father  seized  him  by  the  hair  of  his 
head,  threw  him  down,  and  would  perhaps 
have  killed  him,  if  his  mother  had  not  rushed 
in  and  interfered.  She  pleaded  for  her  son, 
till  at  last  the  father  consented  to  keep  him 
as  a kind  of  prisoner,  apart  from  the  rest  of 
his  family,  hoping  that  in  solitude  he  would 
come  to  another  mind.  And  so,  from  the  age 
of  fourteen  to  seventeen,  the  Bible-loving  boy 
was  kept  a prisoner  in  his  own  father’s  house. 
For  seven  months  he  Avas  ill  from  the  effects 
of  the  cruel  treatment  he  had  received,  and 
Avhen  he  recovered,  his  first  thought  Avas  for 
his  Bible.  Alas!  his  father  had  burned  it; 
and  Avhere  Avas  he  to  get  another?  His  mo- 


HAFIS  AND  ins  BIBLE,  119 

tlier  at  last  procured  him  one  from  the  same 
man  who  sold  him  the  first,  and  it  was  his 
solace  and  his  comfort  though  those  three 
weary  years. 

At  length  his  father  determined  to  send 
him  on  a pilgrimage  to  Mecca,  in  the  hope 
that  he  might  return  a true  Mohammedan. 
Mecca,  as  you  perhaps  have  heard,  being  the 
birth-place  of  their  prophet,  is  considered  a 
holy  city,  and  it  is  thought  praiseworthy  to 
visit  it.  So  the  youth  set  forth  with  a com- 
pany who  were  bound  for  the  same  place. 
But  he  never  saw  that  so-called  holy  city. 
His  heart  was  thii’sting  for  clearer  litjht  on 
'lis  beloved  Bible,  for  instruetion  in  divine 
truth  and  for  the  society  of  Christians.  He 
found  means  to  escape,  and  joined  another 
company  going  to  Rome ; where,  he  was 
told  he  would  find  the  helj)  he  sought.  But 
at  Rome  the  priests  took  his  Bible  from  him; 
and,  disappointed  but  not  discouraged,  he 
set  forth  again. 


120 


HAFIS  A:fD  HIS  BIBLE. 


We  have  not  space  to  tell  the  whole  of  his 
waiiflerlngs:  enough  to  say,  God’s  eye  was 
on  him,  and  that  he  was  all  the  while  guid- 
ing him  to  those  who  would  help  him  in  his 
Christian  life.  He  became  at  length  an  in- 
mate of  a Protestant  college  in  Switzerland ; 
and  from  thence  he  hopes,  ere  long,  to  visit 
his  countrymen,  preaching  the  Bible  instead 
of  the  Koran,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in- 
stead of  INIohammed. 

We  can  read  our  Bible  in  peace  and  quiet- 
ness, none  making  us  afraid.  Do  we  value 
it?  Do  we  love  it?  Do  we  pray  fo’r  the 
Holy  Spirit  to  enable  us  to  understand  it? 
Do  we  believe  in  the  Saviour  it  reveals?  Do 
we  iise  it  as  did  Hafis,  the  Turkish  boy  ? 


THE  END. 


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